Tailored Interventions to Improve Hypertension Management After Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Tailored Interventions to Improve Hypertension Management After Stroke or TIA

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of interventions to improve adherence to medication and healthier lifestyle choices on blood pressure over a 6 month period in a group of people at high risk for recurrent stroke events. The participants have already had a stroke or TIA, and have uncontrolled blood pressure, as well as problems with memory and problem-solving, or miss taking medications, or who do not believe in the effectiveness of their medications. Interventions focus on motivational interviewing, adherence counseling with memory cuing, and self-monitoring of blood pressure.

• randomized, controlled trial at 4 sites
• measurement of blood pressure, missed pills, self-efficacy rating at baseline and 6 months
• contacting family pharmacists to evaluate prescription renewal patterns at baseline and 6 months

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of stroke or TIA
• hypertension
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment score less than 26
• self report of missed pills
• self-efficacy rating less than 100%

Exclusion Criteria:

• inability to give informed consent
• 18 years of age or younger