Implementation of an At-home Blood Pressure Measurement Protocol in a Hypertension Management Clinical Trial During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan is an evidence-based treatment of hypertension; however, adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension is low. To improve adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension among adults with hypertension, we designed Nourish, a 2-arm, 12-month randomized controlled trial. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a change from in-person to remotely delivered visits, requiring substantial protocol modifications to measure blood pressure accurately and safely for secondary outcome data. Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of an at-home blood pressure measurement protocol for the Nourish trial. Conclusion Our investigator team and study staff developed and implemented a robust and feasible blood pressure measurement protocol to be executed within an at-home format. Clinical Implications The described blood pressure measurement protocol provides a framework for use in future clinical trials and clinical settings in which a remote visit is preferred or required.