Using telemedicine to manage blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension
Can TElemedicine System Replace Doctor Consultations to Achieve Non-inferior Blood Pressure in Patients With Controlled Hypertension (TEACH)? a Randomised Controlled Trial and Cost-minimization Analysis
This study tests if using telemedicine to manage blood pressure can work as well or better than regular doctor visits for people with controlled hypertension.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 364 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06524180 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates whether a telemedicine system can effectively manage blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension compared to traditional in-person consultations. Participants in the telemedicine group will receive reminders for home blood pressure measurements and automatic medication refills, with consultations scheduled based on their blood pressure readings. The study aims to determine if telemedicine can achieve similar or better blood pressure control and healthcare utilization outcomes over a 12-month period compared to usual care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with essential hypertension who are currently on antihypertensive medications and have well-controlled blood pressure.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those not on antihypertensive medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with a more convenient and efficient way to manage their hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with telemedicine approaches in managing chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this method in hypertension management.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (i) having a diagnosis of essential HT; * (ii) on anti-HT medications; * (iii) well-controlled HT on out-of-office BP measurements, including HBPM or ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) (measurement algorithm and details under methods). ABPM or HBPM are preferred to office BP due to their superior reproducibility and predictivity to cardiovascular outcomes. Furthermore, office BP misclassifies 30-40% of patients as having suboptimal BP control due to white-coat effect. From our pilot study, some patients with optimal BP are reluctant to undergo ABPM before recruitment into the RCT, and HBPM is more acceptable to these patients and is therefore included. According to local and international guidelines, optimal out-of-office daytime BP should be \<135/85 mmHg for patients without comorbidities and \<130/85 mmHg for patients with comorbidities that increase cardiovascular risk (i.e. stroke, ischaemic heart diseases, heart failure, diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney diseases) respectively; * (iv) can read basic Chinese (language used in the HealthCap); * (v) have used any mobile app (not HT-related) in the previous 1 year; and * (vii) aged between 18-80. Exclusion Criteria: * (i) cannot provide informed consent; * (ii) unwillingness to conduct HBPM or repeated ABPM; * (iii) relative contraindications to ABPM (i.e., diagnosed atrial fibrillation, nighttime workers, occupational drivers, or patients with bleeding tendencies); * (iv) have severe mental illnesses that impair their ability to use HealthCap, including those diagnosed with schizophrenia, dementia, or as being actively suicidal; * (v) a diagnosis of other acute or chronic diseases that need regular physical assessments and/or medication changes (e.g., suboptimally controlled DM \[e.g., glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)≥7%\], depression requiring medications, active cancer); and (vi) predicted lifespan of \<1 year.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- HKW and NTEC GOPC — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kam Pui Lee
- Email: lkp032@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +85222528462
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.