SHIP Qualitative study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Studying HypertensIon Plus: A qualitative study of Hypertension-Plus, a hypertension self-monitoring / self-management service in primary care

  • IRAS ID

    297000

  • Contact name

    Rebecca Barnes

  • Contact email

    rebecca.barnes@phc.ox.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Oxford

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 3 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Overview
    Hypertension-Plus (HTN+) is a telemonitoring and decision support system developed by Omron PLC, a blood pressure monitor manufacturer, building on previous work undertaken by the CI. The system allows health care professionals (HCPs) and patients to share information about home blood pressure levels and treatment recommendations. It provides reminders for monitoring and alerts for action to both patients and professionals. The study will investigate the implementation of the HTN+ system in UK primary care with the aim answering the following research question: ‘What are the challenges to successful implementation and sustainability of the HTN+ blood pressure self-management intervention in routine clinical practice and in patients’ homes?’

    Background
    The best way to reduce the health risks associated with hypertension is to reduce high blood pressure, and yet at present perhaps one third of people with hypertension do not have their high blood pressure properly controlled. This research will explore how well a new system (intervention) assists HCPs and people with high blood pressure (hypertension) withmanaging their condition. The intervention targets people with hypertension measuring their blood pressure at home, with input from a HCP or specialist when needed.

    Methods
    We will study How and Why the implementation of HTN+ succeeds and/or fails in at least six GP surgeries over one year. We will investiate factors that predict or influence adoption, implementation (including barriers and facilitators), sustainability, reach and effectiveness (or otherwise) of the system, and how these factors vary across different contexts. This will be achieved by collecting and analysing data including:
    - interviews with implementation leads; individuals from Clinical Commissioning Groups, Primary Care Networks and GP surgeries; HCPs; and eligible patients who are using or not using the system;
    - patient audio diary entries;
    - qualitative observations from GP surgery contacts with patients;
    - customer service data from Omron;
    - findings about take up and blood pressure control from a parallel service evaluation.
    The research team will consult with members of the public and take their opinions into consideration at all stages of the study.

    Results
    Omron, NAPC and EY; commissioners of care in stdy areas; study practices; patients involved in the study will be provided with summaries of the results. Also, the research findings will be published in journals , presented at conferences and disseminated through social media.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 4

  • REC reference

    21/WA/0280

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Aug 2021

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion