NCT06932029 · Korey Kennelty
SMBP Study: Improving High Blood Pressure in Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Diseases
What this study is about
Nearly half of adults in the United States (47 percent, or 116 million) have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP). Uncontrolled high BP can be devasting as it can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney failure, as well as other numerous health conditions. Hypertension can be controlled; however, only one in four of adults with hypertension have their BP controlled.
View original scientific description
Nearly half of adults in the United States (47 percent, or 116 million) have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP). Uncontrolled high BP can be devasting as it can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney failure, as well as other numerous health conditions. Hypertension can be controlled; however, only one in four of adults with hypertension have their BP controlled. The chance of having high BP increases as one ages, requiring the need to examine effective hypertension strategies in older adults. The issue of hypertension management is compounded even further among older U.S. adults who live with multiple chronic diseases. National organizations identified several effective health systems strategies for improving rates of BP control, including patient self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring. SMBP involves a patient's regular use of personal BP monitoring devices to assess and record BP across different points in time, typically at home. The evidence base for utilizing SMBP strategies in healthcare systems and practices is strong. However, there is not research regarding SMBP including how to include it into workflow in primary care clinics. Previous research has shown SMBP is beneficial, but more information is needed regarding whether SMBP is beneficial in high-risk populations (such as rural, older adults or Black, older patients). The research team will test whether SMBP with normal clinical support vs SMBP with clinical pharmacist support improves BP in older adults living with multiple chronic conditions. The addition of a pharmacist has been shown to improve patient outcomes, though the effectiveness of SMBP with a clinical pharmacist in older adults is not known. The primary outcome will be change in systolic BP over 12 months. The secondary outcome will be self-reported treatment burden over 12 months, using a validated tool called the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire. The research team plans to include a subgroup of rural, older adults and Black, older adults and will not exclude older adults who have dementia.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
SMBP with clinical pharmacist support
Self-measured blood pressure with clinical pharmacist support
Primary outcome measures
Systolic blood pressure
Time frame: Baseline and 12 months
Change in systolic blood pressure
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- The patient is at least 65 years of age
- Patient is seen at least once in clinic or healthcare system in the previous 12 months
- Patient has a six-month average (non-acute/maintenance) systolic blood pressure (SBP) \>= 145 mmHg, documented in the electronic medical record in last six months
- Patient has a baseline in-clinic visit systolic blood pressure (SBP) \>= 140 mmHg
- Patient plants to receive care from participating healthcare system for the next 24 months
Exclusion criteria
- The patient is enrolled in hospice or has an active referral to hospice care
- The patient resides in a nursing home, in skilled nursing, rehabilitation facility, or memory care
- The patient is not capable of providing informed consent
- The patient is unable to communicate in English or Spanish
- The patient is in active chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- The patient is pregnant or has plans to become pregnant
- The patient is currently participating in another study focused on blood pressure
- The patient does not have a telephone
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations