Patient informatics: using a computerized system to monitor patient compliance in the treatment of hypertension

A group of investigators at a major teaching hospital have prepared a study designed to test the hypothesis that patient outcomes related to hypertension will be improved by increased compliance, as defined by consistent daily compliance with prescribed medical regimen. The study will test the effectiveness of the following interventions in improving compliance: 1) improved access to medication, 2) computerized phone follow-up, and 3) one-on-one follow-up conversations concerning compliance issues. This paper is intended to describe the pending study in detail while focusing on the computerized phone system that will be used in the treatment group of the controlled study for compliance.