Psychological approaches to improve patient compliance

Since mild hypertension causes no symptoms, patient compliance is a particular problem. Group therapy was used to improve patients' knowledge of their condition, and to combat contributory factors such as obesity, smoking and high salt intake. The programme was developed with the help of medical psychologists and was assessed in 25 general practices. The group therapy programme resulted in significant reductions of blood pressure and body weight which were maintained for one year. The method seems suitable for use in general practice.