The OPTIMA-BP Study

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and contributes to half of all strokes and myocardial infarctions. The low rate of hypertension control can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of confidence, insufficient knowledge and understanding of the condition and its treatment, poor adherence to medication, and infrequent blood pressure monitoring. 

About the Study 

The OPTIMA-BP study is a two-year pilot study involving patients from the Glasgow Blood Pressure Clinic (GBPC), who will be randomly assigned to either standard care or an intervention group with access to an online education portal. Participants will complete questionnaires on health, wellbeing, and hypertension knowledge, as well as engage in home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM). 

By capturing participants’ HBPM results, the OPTIMA-BP study aims to compare systolic blood pressure (SBP) between the standard care and intervention group. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate how HBPM and online portals affect patients' knowledge, understanding, and attitudes towards hypertension and its management. 

The ultimate goal of the study is to empower patients with greater autonomy over their condition, potentially reducing the need for primary and secondary care hypertension clinics.

How DHVL Supported the Study

The Digital Health Validation Lab played a crucial role in supporting the OPTIMA-BP study by facilitating a successful funding request to enable the study team to conduct essential Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) sessions with participants, ensuring valuable input from those directly impacted by the study’s outcomes.

DHVL also provided academic leadership and a Clinical Innovation Fellow to manage and oversee the study.

The Team