Clinical Decision Support Tool for High Blood Pressure

(AI-HTN Trial)

This trial tests a new digital tool designed to help doctors manage high blood pressure (BP) during regular clinic visits. The research aims to determine if this Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool can improve blood pressure control compared to usual care methods. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive standard treatment, while the other will have doctors using the CDS tool for their care. Ideal participants are adults diagnosed with high blood pressure, currently taking medication for it, and having a systolic BP of 130 mmHg or higher. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future hypertension management.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since participants must already be on at least one blood pressure medication, it seems likely you can continue your current treatment.

Research has shown that clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) are generally safe in healthcare. These tools assist doctors in making better choices, such as selecting the right medication mix for high blood pressure, by using information from patient visits, like recent blood pressure readings.

Researchers are excited about the Clinical Decision Support Tool for high blood pressure because it integrates directly into Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to aid clinicians in prescribing more effective medication combinations. Unlike the standard approach, where doctors rely on their individual judgment and experience, this tool provides data-driven insights and personalized recommendations. This innovation could lead to more efficient hypertension management, potentially improving patient outcomes by optimizing treatment plans based on the latest research and patient-specific data.

Research has shown that tools designed to assist doctors in decision-making can effectively lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. A review of several studies found that these tools improved both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. One study found that these tools helped doctors adhere more closely to guidelines for managing high blood pressure. In this trial, some participants will receive care using the Clinical Decision Support Tool, embedded in the Electronic Medical Record, to aid clinicians in prescribing more effective medication combinations. Trials with patients demonstrated that these tools were more effective in controlling high blood pressure than standard care alone. Overall, the evidence suggests that these decision-support tools can be a valuable addition to treating high blood pressure.²⁴⁶⁷⁸