PAM trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Programme on Adherence to Medication (PAM): A very brief face to face intervention, followed by a text message and/or app intervention to support medication adherence in people prescribed treatment for hypertension in primary care. A randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
268471
Contact name
Stephen Sutton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN82013652
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Background. This research project aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of PAM, a very brief face-to-face consultation (VBI) followed by a text message or app intervention aiming to support adherence to patients prescribed antihypertensive medications in primary care. It will also aim to assess uptake and attrition rates, implementation procedures, including fidelity and mechanism of action. PAM intervention has been developed based on theory and evidence, PPI/E and stakeholders' consultations. The implementations procedures were refined during our pilot study (with n=24 patients) and feasibility randomised controlled trial (with n=100 patients).
Methods. The PAM trial is an individually randomised two arm trial in adults treated for hypertension in primary care. The intervention is delivered using VBI by practice nurses or health care assistants, followed by a three-month highly tailored and interactive text messaging or smartphone app intervention. Comparator group is usual care. Participants are 1:1 individually randomised to usual care (n=382) or PAM intervention (n=382) stratified by practitioner only. The primary outcome is change in systolic blood pressure at 12-months follow up from baseline measured by practice staff blinded to group allocation. Secondary outcome include medication adherence measured by urine analysis and self-reports, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment and care.
Discussion. The PAM intervention uses a VBI to enroll patients in a three months text or app intervention to support treatment adherence to hypertension. The intervention has been proved to be feasible to support adherence and this study will test its effectiveness and cost effectiveness.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0354
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion