Abstract
Towards an Integrated Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring SolutIoN for Stroke/TIA in Ireland: a mixed methods feasibility study for the TASMIN5S IRL randomised controlled trial
Part of Special Series: WONCA World Rural Health Conference Abstracts 2022
AUTHORS
Róisín Doogue1 RGN, BSc, HDip (Practice Nursing), General Practice Nurse, PhD Candidate * 
Peter Hayes2 MD, Senior Lecturer in General Practice
Ali Sheikhi4 Senior Biostatistician
Tanvi Rai5 Senior Researcher
Kate Morton6 Senior Research Fellow
Cristian Roman7 Postdoctoral Research Associate
Richard J McManus8 Professor of Primary Care
Liam Glynn9 MD, Professor of General Practice
CORRESPONDENCE
*Ms Róisín Doogue
AFFILIATIONS
1, 2, 3, 9 Department of General Practice, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
4 Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
5, 8 Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
6 School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
7 Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
PUBLISHED
10 January 2023 Volume 23 Issue 1
HISTORY
RECEIVED: 20 September 2022
ACCEPTED: 20 September 2022
CITATION
Doogue R, Hayes P, Hebert R, Sheikhi A, Rai T, Morton K, Roman C, McManus R, Glynn L. Towards an Integrated Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring SolutIoN for Stroke/TIA in Ireland: a mixed methods feasibility study for the TASMIN5S IRL randomised controlled trial . Rural and Remote Health 2023; 23: 8166. https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH8166
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence
abstract:
Background: Optimising Blood Pressure (BP) control is one of the most important modifiable risk factors in preventing subsequent stroke where the risk increases by one-third for every 10 mmHg rise in systolic BP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of BP self-monitoring in patients with a previous stroke or TIA in Ireland.
Methods: Patients with a history of stroke or TIA and sub-optimal BP control were identified from practice electronic medical records and invited to take part in the pilot study. Those with systolic BP >130 mmHg were randomised to a self-monitoring or usual care group. Self-monitoring involved monitoring BP twice a day for 3 days within a 7-day period every month, following text message reminders. Patients sent their BP readings by free-text to a digital platform. The monthly average BP was sent to the patient (traffic light system) and to the patient’s GP after each monitoring period. Treatment escalation was subsequently agreed by the patient and GP.
Results: Of those identified, 47% (32/68) attended for assessment. Of those assessed, 15 were eligible for recruitment and were consented and randomised to the intervention or control group on a 2:1 basis. Of those randomised, 93% (14/15) completed the study with no adverse events. Systolic BP was lower in the intervention group at 12 weeks.
Conclusions: TASMIN5S, an integrated blood pressure self-monitoring intervention in patients with a previous stroke or TIA, is feasible and safe to deliver in primary care. A pre-agreed three step medication titration plan was easily implemented, increased patient involvement in their care, and had no adverse effects.
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