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ABSTRACT: Objectives
To explore the experiences of patients and professionals taking part in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of remote blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring supported by primary care. To identify factors facilitating or hindering the effectiveness of the intervention and those likely to influence its potential translation to routine practice.Design
Qualitative study adopting a qualitative descriptive approach.Participants
25 patients, 11 nurses and 9 doctors who were participating in an RCT of BP telemonitoring. A maximum variation sample of patients from within the trial based on age, sex and deprivation status of the practice was sought.Setting
6 primary care practices in Scotland.Method
Data were collected via taped semistructured interviews. Initial thematic analysis was inductive. Multiple strategies were employed to ensure that the analysis was credible and trustworthy.Results
Prior to the trial, both patients and professionals were reluctant to increase the medication based on single BP measurements taken in the surgery. BP measurements based on multiple electronic readings were perceived as more accurate as a basis for action. Patients using telemonitoring became more engaged in the clinical management of their condition. Professionals reported that telemonitoring challenged existing roles and work practices and increased workload. Lack of integration of telemonitoring data with the electronic health record was perceived as a drawback.Conclusions
BP telemonitoring in a usual care setting can provide a trusted basis for medication management and improved BP control. It increases patients' engagement in the management of their condition, but supporting telemetry and greater patient engagement can increase professional workloads and demand changes in service organisation. Successful service design in practice would have to take account of how additional roles and responsibilities could be realigned with existing work and data management practices. The embedded qualitative study was included in the protocol for the HITS trial registered with ISRCTN no. 72614272.
SUBMITTER: Hanley J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3657666 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Hanley Janet J Ure Jenny J Pagliari Claudia C Sheikh Aziz A McKinstry Brian B
BMJ open 20130528 5
<h4>Objectives</h4>To explore the experiences of patients and professionals taking part in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of remote blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring supported by primary care. To identify factors facilitating or hindering the effectiveness of the intervention and those likely to influence its potential translation to routine practice.<h4>Design</h4>Qualitative study adopting a qualitative descriptive approach.<h4>Participants</h4>25 patients, 11 nurses and 9 doctors who we ...[more]