A very brief face to face intervention, followed by a text message and/or app intervention to support medication adherence in people prescribed treatment for hypertension in primary care
High blood pressure is very common, but taking daily medication can be hard to remember. Researchers from the University of Cambridge want to find out if digital reminders can help. In this study, people with high blood pressure will either get their normal GP care or extra support. This extra support includes a very short chat with their practice nurse or healthcare assistant, followed by three months of text messages or an app offering tips and reminders to take their medication. The team is running this small pilot study to see if patients like using the texts or app, and whether it helps them stick to their treatment. The results will help researchers decide if the NHS should test this digital support programme on a much larger scale in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but leaving it untreated can raise the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe daily tablets to keep blood pressure at a safe level. However, many people find it difficult to stick to a daily medication routine over a long period of time.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge are testing a new, simple way to help. They want to see if regular digital encouragement—delivered through mobile text messages or a smartphone app—can give patients the extra support they need. The messages provide helpful reminders, practical tips, and encouragement to help people take their medicine as prescribed.
This study is a feasibility trial. That means researchers are testing the practical details first: seeing how many people want to sign up, whether people find the texts or app easy to use, and how well the GP practices manage the project. If this small study is successful, it could lead to a larger nationwide study and help the NHS provide low-cost digital support to thousands of patients.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether mobile texts or a phone app help people take blood pressure pills regularly.
- Compares normal GP care against normal care plus three months of digital reminders.
- Does not test any new medications; you continue taking your own prescribed treatment.
- Very low risk study lasting approximately three months.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and you can stop at any time.
Who may be eligible?
You may be able to join if you are an adult diagnosed with high blood pressure and have been prescribed at least one blood pressure medicine for at least six months, but your readings are still higher than they should be. You must have your high blood pressure managed by your local GP surgery, be comfortable using a mobile phone, and be able to understand everyday English.
You cannot take part if your blood pressure is dangerously high (over 200/100 mmHg) or drops sharply when you stand up. People receiving kidney dialysis, those currently receiving treatment for severe illnesses like cancer, or anyone living with memory problems such as dementia are also unable to join.
Finally, you cannot take part if you are already enrolled in another clinical research study or if you plan to move away from your local GP practice within the next six months.
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.
- I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
- I have been taking prescribed blood pressure tablets for at least six months.
- My blood pressure is managed by my local GP surgery.
- I have a mobile phone and feel confident using text messages or apps.
- I do not have severe kidney disease requiring dialysis or severe memory problems.
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you will be placed into one of two groups by chance (randomly). Both groups continue with their regular NHS care. At your GP surgery, a nurse or healthcare assistant will check your blood pressure, ask a few questions about your medicines, take a routine blood sample, and give you a kit to post a urine sample to a central lab.
If you are placed in the digital support group, you will also have a quick chat (under five minutes) about setting up the service. Over the next three months, you will receive supportive text messages or app notifications to help you stay on track with your pills. The other group will simply receive their normal GP care without the messages. The study lasts about three months in total, and no experimental drugs are tested.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Not available at time of registrationCity only-, England
Common questions
Will my blood pressure medication be changed?
No study drugs are involved. Your GP will continue to manage your treatment as usual and will only adjust your regular tablets if they decide it is medically necessary.
Do I have to pay to use the app or receive text messages?
No, taking part in the study and receiving the texts or app support is completely free.
What happens if I am placed in the standard care group?
You will receive your regular NHS care and have routine checks, but you will not receive the study text messages or app reminders.
Is my personal information kept safe?
Yes. All personal details and health data are kept confidential and protected under UK data privacy laws.
Can I leave the study early if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.
How to find out more
Katerina Kassavou
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.