Digital interventions to manage hypertension: general practitioners perspectives

Abstract

Background. Digital behavioural interventions could potentially be a useful modality for hypertension control. While it is important to examine the use and effectiveness of these technological interventions at a patient level, it is also crucial to examine them at a practitioner level. The majority of hypertension care happens at general practice. This research aims to (1) explore general practitioners (GPs) experience of managing antihypertensives, including the use of guidelines and resources available and (2) elicit GPs attitudes towards the use of technology to support adherence behaviour change. Method. In this qualitative study 10 GPs (sampled purposively based on age, sex, practise size, location and years of practise) were interviewed. A semi-structured topic guide consisting of open-ended questions and prompts about hypertension care, antihypertensive medications, issues with adherence, behaviour change and the use of technology was used. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings. Five main themes were identified. These were responsibility, empowerment, opportunity/cost, current reach and credibility. A number of subthemes were identified within these. Discussion. Primary care has a significant role in managing hypertension. GPs in this study discussed several barriers and possible solutions to integrating digital interventions for hypertension management. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of using digital interventions alongside traditional primary care to manage hypertension and identify models of best practice.