Targets and self monitoring in hypertension: randomised controlled trial and cost effectiveness analysis

摘要

Objectives To assess whether blood pressure control in primary care could be improved with the use of patient held targets and self monitoring in a practice setting, and to assess the impact of these on health behaviours, anxiety, prescribed antihypertensive drugs, patients' preferences, and costs. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Eight general practices in south Birmingham. Participants 441 people receiving treatment in primary care for hypertension but not controlled below the target of < 140/85 mm Hg. Interventions Patients in the intervention group received treatment targets along with facilities to measure their own blood pressure at their general practice; they were also asked to visit their general practitioner or practice nurse if their blood pressure was repeatedly above the target level. Patients in the control group received usual care (blood pressure monitoring by their practice).