A study testing if a new support package used in medication reviews helps patients take their medicines as prescribed
This study is looking at a new way to help people take their blood pressure medicines as prescribed. Many people find it hard to take their medicines regularly, and this study uses a special questionnaire called IMAB-Q. This questionnaire helps doctors understand the main reasons why a patient might not be taking their medicines and then offers solutions. The study will test if this new support package, including the IMAB-Q, helps general practice teams to better support patients during their usual medication reviews. This will help them collect important information to plan a bigger study in the future. It hopes to improve how people with high blood pressure manage their medication.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have high blood pressure, taking your medicines regularly is a very important part of staying well. However, many people find it tricky to take their medicines exactly as prescribed, for all sorts of reasons. This can make it hard for doctors and nurses to know how best to help.
Working together with patients, doctors, and researchers, we've created a new tool called the Identification of Medication Adherence Barriers Questionnaire, or IMAB-Q for short. This is a simple set of 10 questions for you to answer before your medication review. Your answers will give your healthcare team a clearer idea of why you might be finding it hard to take your medicines. Each question is also linked to specific solutions that your doctor or nurse can then discuss with you during your review to help you.
This study is testing if this new support package, including the IMAB-Q, gives general practice teams everything they need to use this new approach during their usual medication reviews. We also want to make sure we can gather all the necessary information to figure out if IMAB-Q really works and is good value for money for the NHS. This initial study will be carried out in four general practices across England. The information we learn will help us prepare for a larger, more comprehensive study in the future to improve care for people with high blood pressure.
Key takeaways
- It tests a new way to help people take blood pressure medicines.
- Uses a questionnaire (IMAB-Q) to understand why people struggle.
- Aims to improve support during medication reviews.
- Helps plan a bigger study to improve care for high blood pressure.
- Takes place in four general practices across England.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have high blood pressure. You would need to be taking at least one medicine for high blood pressure and have a recent blood pressure reading that is higher than the recommended target for your age.
You also need to be due for a medication review at your GP practice around the time the study is happening. There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join, but your GP practice will check all of this for you.
Healthcare staff at the participating practices, including doctors, nurses, and other team members who carry out medication reviews, will also be involved in the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Are you currently taking medicine(s) for high blood pressure?
- Is your latest blood pressure reading higher than your target?
- Are you due for a medication review at your GP practice soon?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'd be one of 96 patients across four GP practices. Your medical records would be checked to see if you meet the study requirements. If you do, you'll be invited to sign a consent form, which means you agree to take part. You'll then fill out some questionnaires at the start of the study, and again after 1 and 12 weeks.
You'll also attend a medication review during the study, and we'll ask you to provide your blood pressure readings at three different times: at the start, at week 4, and at week 12. You'll have the choice to have your medication review recorded so researchers can see how the new approach works. You can also choose to have a chat (by phone or video) with one of the researchers about your experiences. The study is expected to start in May 2026 and finish by the end of December 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Chilwell Valley and Meadows Practice, Chilwell Meadows SurgeryUnverifiedNottingham, England
- MyHealth GroupUnverifiedStrensall, England
- The Ridge Medical PracticeUnverifiedBradford, England
- Monkfield Medical PracticeUnverifiedCambridge, England
Common questions
What is 'medication non-adherence'?
It simply means not taking your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribed, for example, missing doses or taking them at the wrong time.
What is a 'medication review'?
It's a meeting with a healthcare professional (like your doctor or pharmacist) to discuss your medicines, check they're right for you, and help you take them effectively.
What is the IMAB-Q?
It's a questionnaire with 10 questions designed to help you and your healthcare team understand why you might find it difficult to take your medicines as prescribed.
Will my GP know if I don't want to join?
Yes, but deciding not to take part, or withdrawing at any time, won't affect your medical care in any way.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which is a part of the UK government.
How to find out more
Debi Bhattacharya
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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