Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Home Assessment of Blood Pressure in PregnancY

This study is checking if a home blood pressure monitoring program is a good idea for pregnant individuals in Canada who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy is called a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy (HDP). Participants will be given a home blood pressure monitor to use throughout their pregnancy and for six weeks after birth. Doctors will review these readings remotely and adjust medication if needed. The main goal is to see if this home monitoring system is safe and practical. Researchers also want to find out how much people like using it and if it affects the health of both the mother and baby, how blood pressure changes, and healthcare use.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy

What is this study about?

This research study is about finding better ways to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy, sometimes called a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy (HDP), can be a serious condition. Currently, expectant parents with HDP often need frequent visits to the clinic to have their blood pressure checked.

Researchers are looking into whether using a special home blood pressure monitor that sends readings directly to their healthcare team is a safe and practical option. This is called 'telemonitoring'. This could potentially mean fewer trips to the hospital or clinic for blood pressure checks. The study aims to see if this approach is a good way to keep an eye on blood pressure, make sure medications are right, and ultimately improve health for both the pregnant person and their baby.

They will also be asking participants about their experience to understand if this home monitoring system is easy to use and helpful. This information will help doctors decide if a home blood pressure monitoring program like this should be offered more widely in the future.

Key takeaways

It's about home blood pressure monitoring for pregnant people with high blood pressure.
You'll use a special monitor that sends readings to your doctor.
The study checks if this home monitoring is safe and practical.
It aims to understand if it benefits mothers and babies and improves healthcare.
Your doctors will still manage your medication based on the readings.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 19 years old and pregnant. You should be in your pregnancy between 20 and 36 weeks. You must have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, either recently during this pregnancy or before you became pregnant.

You also need to be willing to give your permission to be part of the study and be able to follow the study's instructions. A smartphone is required because the home blood pressure monitor connects to one.

You cannot join if you expect to be admitted to the hospital soon, are very close to your due date (within the next two weeks or delivery expected in the next 48 hours), or if you are unable to speak English and don't have family who can help translate.

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 19 years or older and pregnant?
Are you between 20 and 36 weeks pregnant?
Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure during this pregnancy or before?
Do you own a smartphone?
Are you able to speak English or have family who can translate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be given a special home blood pressure monitor. You'll be shown how to use it to check your blood pressure at home and how it sends the readings to your healthcare team. You will use this monitor for the rest of your pregnancy and for six weeks after your baby is born. Your healthcare team will regularly review your readings and may adjust your blood pressure medication as needed based on those home readings. There are no specified visits beyond what your regular pregnancy care would entail, but you will need to actively use the monitor and allow your readings to be shared.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer the benefit of more convenient blood pressure monitoring from home, possibly reducing the need for frequent clinic visits. Your blood pressure will be closely watched by your healthcare team. While the home monitoring system is generally considered safe, there's always a small chance of technical issues with the equipment, or that a very rapid change in blood pressure might not be immediately recognised. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is 'telemonitoring'?

Telemonitoring means using technology, like the special blood pressure monitor in this study, to send your health information (like blood pressure readings) to your doctor remotely, without needing to be in the clinic.

Will my regular doctor still be involved?

Yes, the doctors looking after you in this study are part of your obstetric internal medicine team, who will be monitoring your readings and adjusting your medication as needed.

What if I don't have a smartphone?

A smartphone is required to participate in this study as it's needed to connect with the home blood pressure monitor and send your readings.

How long will I be in the study?

You will use the home blood pressure monitor for the rest of your pregnancy and for six weeks after your baby is born.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Karen Tran, MD

karen.tran4@vch.ca (604) 875-5181 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.