Comparing an Internet-Based Medical Model with a Conventional Medical Model in the Management of Patients with Hypertension in China: Methodology of a Cluster Randomized Study

Abstract

Background: The awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension are low in China. New and effective management model other than conventional hospital-based practices is needed to optimize the assessment and treatment of hypertension. Objectives: The objective of the study is to design a study that compares blood pressure (BP) control rate in hypertensive patients managed through an internet-based medical model versus conventional medical model. Methods: The study designed is a cluster randomized, unblinded controlled study which will be performed in 14 primary care clinics in Guizhou Province in southwest China. Sites will be randomized to provide BP management services to the patient through an internet-based medical model including home BP monitoring (HBPM) and telemonitoring by primary care physicians, or through a conventional medical model including HBPM and periodical visits to the clinic. Patients aged 45–75 years with two measurements of resting systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥90 mmHg on different days during screening will be enrolled. The primary endpoint is the BP control rate, defined by the percentage of patients achieving target office BP (SBP