Text messaging and training to support the taking of statins
Statins are medicines that lower blood cholesterol and protect against heart attacks and strokes. However, many people forget to take them or worry about side effects. At the same time, family doctors (GPs) do not always prescribe the ideal dose. This study, run across GP surgeries in the UK, looks at whether simple text message reminders can help patients take their statins as prescribed. Half of the GP practices taking part will send regular text reminders to patients and give extra training to their healthcare teams on cholesterol care. The other half will continue with their usual care. Researchers will follow patients for about a year by checking routine health records. The goal is to see if text reminders and staff training improve how regularly people take their medicine and help lower their cholesterol levels.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Statins are widely prescribed medicines that help lower blood cholesterol. Keeping cholesterol down is essential because high levels can clog arteries and lead to heart attacks or strokes. Even though statins save lives, many people miss doses. Some people simply forget, while others worry about possible side effects or wonder if the medicine is truly needed. Doctors and nurses also sometimes hesitate to prescribe the strongest, most effective dose.
This trial is testing a simple, low-cost way to solve these issues. It focuses on whole GP practices rather than just individual patients. Half of the practices will send helpful text messages directly to patients to remind them to take their statins. Staff at these practices will also receive training on the best ways to support patients and prescribe the right doses. The remaining practices will carry on providing their standard, everyday care.
By comparing what happens in both types of surgeries over 12 months, researchers hope to see whether text messages and staff training lead to healthier cholesterol levels. If the approach works, it could easily be rolled out across the NHS to help thousands more people protect their heart health.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether simple text reminders help people take their statin medication on time.
- Provides extra cholesterol training for GP practice doctors and nurses.
- No extra clinic visits or new experimental medications are required.
- Monitors your health through your routine GP blood test records over 12 months.
- Aims to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes across the UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 to 75 who are registered at a participating GP practice in England. To take part, you must have been prescribed a statin medicine for at least the past 12 months, and your recent blood tests must show that your cholesterol is still higher than ideal.
You also need to have at least one other long-term health condition that puts you at higher risk of heart problems. This includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or a past history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
Because this study is arranged through GP surgeries, you can only take part if your own doctor's practice has signed up. Your surgery also needs to have an existing system for sending text messages to patients.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 18 and 75 years old.
- I have been prescribed a statin for at least 12 months.
- My recent blood tests show my cholesterol is still high.
- I have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or past heart problems.
- My GP practice is participating in this study.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study is designed to fit easily around your normal life. You will not need to make extra visits to the clinic or take experimental drugs. Instead, you simply continue taking your prescribed statin medicine as advised by your doctor.
If your GP surgery is selected to test the new support programme, you will receive regular, helpful text message reminders on your mobile phone over a 12-month period. These messages will remind you to take your medicine and explain why it is important. If your surgery is in the comparison group, you will continue to receive your usual standard care without the extra texts.
Researchers will monitor your progress over 12 to 15 months using information already held in your routine GP records, such as your cholesterol test results and how often you collect your prescriptions. You do not need to fill out long questionnaires or change your daily routine.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NIHR CRN: East MidlandsCity onlyLeicester, England
Common questions
Will I have to change my current statin medication?
No. The study does not introduce new or experimental medicines. Any changes to your prescription remain a normal decision between you and your GP.
Do I have to pay to receive the text messages?
No. The text messages are sent by your GP surgery and are free for you to receive.
Will I need to attend extra hospital or GP appointments?
No. The trial works alongside your routine NHS care, so no extra appointments or travel are required.
What happens if I don't want to get text messages anymore?
You can opt out at any time by letting your GP practice know, and your ordinary healthcare will not be affected in any way.
How will the researchers look at my health information?
Researchers will look at routine data from your medical records, but your personal details will be kept strictly confidential and secure in line with NHS data rules.
How to find out more
Patrick Highton
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.