Programme on Adherence to Medication (PAM) randomised controlled trial
High blood pressure is very common, but remembering to take daily tablets can be difficult. Missing doses stops treatments from working well and leads to unused medicines, costing the NHS millions of pounds each year. The PAM trial tests a new, simple way to help. Half of the participants have a very quick chat with a practice nurse or healthcare assistant by phone or video. They then receive supportive text messages or use a smartphone app for up to 14 months to help build good habits. The other half continue with their usual GP care. Researchers will check whether this digital support helps people take their medicine as prescribed and lowers their blood pressure. Participants measure their own blood pressure at home, give routine blood and urine samples, and complete questionnaires. The goal is to see if this low-cost approach works and provides good value for the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects millions of people across the UK. Although effective tablets are available, many people struggle to take them every day. Life gets busy, routines change, and tablets are easily forgotten. When blood pressure medicines are missed, blood pressure stays higher than it should be, raising the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. It also leads to wasted medicines that cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds each year.
Doctors and nurses want to help, but GP appointments are short and healthcare staff are under pressure. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created the PAM study (Programme on Adherence to Medication) to see if technology can lend a hand. They want to find out whether a very brief conversation with a nurse, combined with automated text messages or an app, can make taking daily tablets simpler and more routine.
In this study, some participants will receive this extra digital support, while others will carry on with their usual healthcare. By comparing the two groups over a year, the team can see if digital reminders truly help lower blood pressure. If successful, this easy-to-use support could be rolled out across GP surgeries nationwide, giving patients practical help right in their pockets without putting extra strain on busy clinics.
Key takeaways
- The PAM study tests whether text messages or an app can help people remember to take their blood pressure pills.
- Open to adults with high blood pressure who take tablets and use a mobile phone.
- You will be randomly assigned to receive digital support or continue with usual NHS care.
- The study involves checking blood pressure at home, short surveys, and routine blood and urine samples.
- Taking part does not change your prescribed medication and is entirely voluntary.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults diagnosed with high blood pressure who have been prescribed at least one blood pressure tablet. To take part, you should either have a recent blood pressure reading above 140/90 mmHg or have had gaps in collecting your repeat prescriptions from the chemist. You will also need a mobile phone and feel comfortable reading and sending standard text messages.
You will not be able to join if your blood pressure is extremely high (over 200/100 mmHg) or drops suddenly when you stand up. The study is also not suitable for people with memory problems such as dementia, or anyone who has recently experienced a severe, life-threatening medical event. Your GP team will confirm whether joining is safe and appropriate for you.
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 have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
- I take at least one prescribed blood pressure tablet.
- My blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg, or I sometimes forget to collect my repeat prescriptions.
- I have a mobile phone and can read and send text messages.
- I can read and understand English.
- I do not have a condition affecting my memory (such as dementia).
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you will be placed into one of two groups by chance (like flipping a coin). One group will have a brief phone or video call with a nurse or healthcare assistant, followed by text messages or an app for up to 14 months to help keep track of medicines. The other group will carry on with their normal GP care. No new medicines are being tested; you will keep taking your usual prescribed tablets. Both groups will be followed for up to 14 months, with check-ins at 6 and 12 months. You will be asked to check your blood pressure at home, provide standard urine and blood samples, and fill in short questionnaires about your health and medication habits.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of CambridgeApproximateCambridge, England
Common questions
Will taking part change my current blood pressure medication?
No. The study looks at how you take your medicines, not new drugs. You will continue taking your normal prescribed tablets unless your own doctor decides to change them.
Do I need a smartphone to take part?
Not necessarily. You only need a basic mobile phone capable of sending and receiving text messages, though you can use a smartphone app if you prefer.
How much time will the study take?
The study lasts up to 14 months. The nurse chat takes only a few minutes, and you will spend a short amount of time answering surveys and checking your blood pressure at home.
Do I have to pay anything to take part?
No. Taking part is completely free, and standard text messages sent from the study will not cost you anything.
What happens if I decide I want to stop?
You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your decision will not affect the care you receive from your GP surgery in any way.
How to find out more
Stephen Sutton
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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