What is the REVERSE study?
The REVERSE study is assessing the feasibility of self-monitoring, for people with raised blood pressure and healthcare workers. REVERSE is an NIHR funded study which is being led by Dr Emma Bray at the University of Central Lancashire.
What is raised blood pressure or pre-hypertension (PHT)?
Raised blood pressure (also called pre-hypertension) occurs before someone crosses the threshold of high blood pressure. Raised blood pressure is not an illness but is an indicator that a person has blood pressure raised above the normal level. It is a warning that their blood pressure may progress to the level of high blood pressure, requiring medications and other interventions.
Why are you intervening in pre-hypertension?
People with both high and raised blood pressure have an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. We know that intervening in people with hypertension (high blood pressure) is a good way to reduce these risks, but we are still unsure of the benefits of intervening when blood pressure is raised (pre-hypertension). It may also help health professionals to reduce the cost and workload caused by preventable cardiovascular diseases.
What do you mean by self-monitoring?
We mean measuring your own blood pressure, using a blood pressure monitor. It isn’t just recording your readings but being aware of what your blood pressure readings mean and being able to take action depending on your blood pressure level.
How are you recruiting participants for the study?
We are asking GP practices in different parts of Lancashire to identify people from their records who are eligible to take part and to send them a letter about the study.
We are also asking pharmacies who conduct health checks, to identify people and to pass on information about the study.
We are also asking organisations that do health checks or blood pressure checks in workplaces, places of worship or out in the community to identify people and to pass on information about the study.
It will then be up to each individual patient to contact the research team if they want to find out more or are interested in taking part
We want to include people who have had a raised blood pressure reading, and are aged 18 or over, who are not on medications for blood pressure and do not have other health conditions that can affect blood pressure. We want to recruit around 115 people to the study.
How long are you recruiting for?
Recruitment starts in June 2022 and will continue for about 6 months or until we reach our target.
What does taking part involve for participants?
Taking part will involve:
You may also be invited to take part in an interview to find out about what being in the study was like and how you found self-monitoring and/or a group discussion to think about what an intervention for raised blood pressure might look like.
FAQs- GP Practices and Pharmacies
We are a GP practice or pharmacy in Lancashire. How can we help with the REVERSE study?
If you would like some more information about how your practice can sign up to help with the REVERSE study, please contact us on 01772 893883 or at REVERSE@uclan.ac.uk
FAQs - Members of the Public
I am an individual and would like to take part. What do I need to do?
We are only recruiting people from GP practices, pharmacies or specialised local health services. If you are interested in taking part, please look at the “sites” information on the website. If your local pharmacy is listed, please contact them to find out if you are eligible for an NHS health check and let them know you are interested in taking part in the REVERSE study.
Do I have to own a blood pressure monitor to take part?
No, you don’t have to have your own blood pressure monitor. All participants in the study will be given a monitor to use throughout the study. You can keep this at the end of the study.
I’m not sure how to monitor my own blood pressure. Can I still take part?
Yes. The research team will provide you with training, and on-going support to help you to monitor your blood pressure.
FAQs - REVERSE Study Participants
Can I change my mind about taking part in the study?
Yes, you can change your mind at any time and without having to give us a reason. If you would like to withdraw from the study, please just let us know via telephone or email.
What should I do if I’ve forgotten to take my blood pressure readings?
If you’ve forgotten to take a blood pressure reading, please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact us by telephone or email.
What should I do if I’ve started new medication during the study?
If you’ve started new medication during the study, please let us know. You can contact us by telephone on 01772 893883 or by email at REVERSE@uclan.ac.uk
