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HypertensionTOUCHEDNCT03749499

Targeting of UnControlled Hypertension in Emergency Department

A study testing HTN Educational Video, Visual Echocardiogram Image Clips and Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoring in people with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases, run by University of Illinois Chicago at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The proposed project underscores the following: 1) The prevalence of uncontrolled/undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) in underrepresented groups presenting to the ED is alarmingly high, and 2) ED engagement and early risk assessment/stratification is a cost-effective, feasible innovation to help close health disparity gaps… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
What is being tested?
HTN Educational Video, Visual Echocardiogram Image Clips and Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoring
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
574 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
19 Feb 2019to 31 Mar 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • BP>=140/90 and <=180/110 mm Hg at time of discharge from ED
  • Verbal fluency in English or Spanish
  • Age 18-75 years

Who cannot join

  • Unable to verbalize comprehension of study, impaired decision-making or documented dementia
  • Plans to move from Chicago area within the next year
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • COVID-19 positive within the past 14 days

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Illinois at Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois, 60612

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Targeting of UnControlled Hypertension in Emergency Department (TOUCHED)

The proposed project underscores the following: 1) The prevalence of uncontrolled/undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) in underrepresented groups presenting to the ED is alarmingly high, and 2) ED engagement and early risk assessment/stratification is a cost-effective, feasible innovation to help close health disparity gaps in HTN. This proposal involves a two-arm randomized controlled trial of up to 770 patients from the Emergency Department at University of Illinois Hospital with elevated blood pressure (BP). The primary objective is to determine the effectiveness of an emergency department-initiated Educational and Empowerment (E2) intervention with a Post Acute Care Hypertension Consultation (PACHT-c) intervention (arm 2) on the primary outcome of mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) differences between the two trial arms at 6-months post intervention. Secondary objectives include evaluating the effectiveness of this ED education and empowerment intervention on mean SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) differences at 3-months, and mean DBP differences at 6-months.

Read the detailed description

The study is a single-site randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on a high-risk ED population with evidence of moderately elevated BP (≥140/90 mmHg) at discharge. ED patients will be recruited and randomized into two arms: 1) usual care (preprinted discharge instructions and 48-72 hour referral to a federally qualified health center (FQHC) or assigned provider as appropriate); 2) ED-initiated E2 intervention program followed by 48-72 hour referral to a FQHC (or assigned health center). Based on the ED population demographics (70% ethnic minorities), the majority of participants will be underrepresented minorities (NHB and Hispanic) and low-income individuals. The investigators propose the following specific aims and hypotheses:

Aim 1: Evaluate the effectiveness of an ED-based E2 + PACHT-c intervention (arm 2) on the primary outcome of mean SBP difference at 6-months post-intervention compared to usual care (arm 1).

H1: The mean SBP difference (from baseline) will be significantly greater in the E2+ PACHT-c group (arm 2) compared to the usual care group (arm 1) at 6- months post-randomization, i.e., SBP change in arm 2 > arm 1 at 6-months post-randomization.

Aim 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of an ED-based E2 intervention with PACHT-c on the secondary outcome of mean SBP and DBP differences at 3-months, and mean DBP differences at 6 months post-intervention compared to usual care.

H2: The mean SBP and DBP differences from baseline to 3- months post-intervention and mean DBP at 6-months post intervention will be significantly greater in the ED-based E2 intervention compared to the usual care group, i.e., SBP and DBP change in arm 2 > arm 1 at 3 -months post-intervention and DBP change in arm 2 > arm 1 at 6 -months post-intervention.

Being tested
HTN Educational Video, Visual Echocardiogram Image Clips, Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoring, Post-Acute Care HTN Transition consultation (PACHT-c)
Keywords
Emergency Department, Minorities
Medical subject headings
Hypertension, Cardiovascular Diseases, Vascular Diseases, Emergencies

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • HTN Educational VideoOther

    The video will educate participants in arm 2 about high BP, how it is diagnosed, and the importance of treating it to prevent secondary complications.

  • Visual Echocardiogram Image ClipsOther

    Visual clips of age/gender-matched echocardiograms will be used to educate and motivate patients to change their behavior and improve their BP. We have found that real time visualization of cardiac ultrasound images with active discussion of findings is a significant patient motivator and empowerment tool, and was a significant factor in the success of our previous pilot study.

  • Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoringOther

    All participants randomized to the intervention group will receive an FDA-approved HBPM kit that includes the Nokia wireless (self-inflating) BPM+ monitor and Health Mate mobile app. The app automatically launches when the patient slips on the cuff and turns on the monitor to measure his/her BP. Synced data are automatically uploaded from the mobile app to the iCardia server of our study.

  • Post-Acute Care HTN Transition consultation (PACHT-c)Other

    All participants randomized to the E2 intervention will have a focused consultation with either a clinical pharmacist or an APN. During this consultation, the pharmacist/APN repeats the BP measurement; reviews the screening assessments; and reviews general principles of BP control including nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation. BP will be managed according to the current published guidelines available at the time of funding regarding initiation of first-line antihypertensive medications. Patients with BP ≥160/100 mmHg may be started on antihypertensive medications by the provider during the consultation if appropriate.

Study groups in NCT03749499
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Usual CareNo interventionParticipants randomized to usual care will receive preprinted discharge instructions on HTN and a 48-72-hour referral to our FQHC (or other community health center if pre-assigned though Illinois Medicaid) to schedule their follow-up appointment (current standard of care)
Educational and Empowerment InterventionActive comparatorParticipants receive: 1. HTN Educational Video about high BP, how it is diagnosed, and importance of treatment to prevent secondary complications. 2. Visual Echocardiogram Image Clips of age/gender-matched echocardiograms will be used to educate and motivate patients to change behavior and improve their BP. 3. Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoring- participants receive an FDA-approved home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) kit that includes the Nokia wireless BPM+ monitor and Health Mate mobile app. The app automatically launches when the patient slips on the cuff. Synced data are automatically uploaded from the mobile app to the iCardia server of our study. 4. A Post-Acute Care HTN Transition consultation (PACHT-c) with a clinical pharmacist or advanced practice nurse (APN).
Receives: Other: HTN Educational Video; Other: Visual Echocardiogram Image Clips; Other: Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoring; Other: Post-Acute Care HTN Transition consultation (PACHT-c)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Difference at 6 Months Post-intervention Compared to Usual Care.

    Blood pressure will be collected at two time points (baseline and 6 months). ED-pharmacists and trained research assistants will perform BP measurements using standardized procedures.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 months after baseline

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) Differences at 3 Months Post-intervention Compared to Usual Care.

    Blood pressure will be collected at two time points (baseline and 3 months). ED-pharmacists and trained research assistants will perform BP measurements using standardized procedures.

    Measured: Baseline, 3 months after baseline

  2. Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) Difference at 6 Months Post-intervention Compared to Usual Care.

    Blood pressure will be collected at two time points (baseline and 6 months). ED-pharmacists and trained research assistants will perform BP measurements using standardized procedures.

    Measured: Baseline, 6 months after baseline

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Nov 2018
  2. Study start19 Feb 2019
  3. Primary completion31 Mar 2023
  4. Study completion31 Mar 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Screening
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
574 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03749499
Sponsor's protocol ID
2017-0118
Other IDs
1R61HL139454-01A1
Acronym
TOUCHED
Status last verified
Jun 2025
First submitted
19 Nov 2018
Last updated
18 Jun 2025
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The TOUCHED data sets will be submitted to the NHLBI Data repository, and will include the following: * Data Information collected and recorded from study participants, including baseline, interim visit, ancillary data, outcome data, laboratory measurements not otherwise summarized, blood pressure measurements; quantitative results from survey assessments; clinical event surveillance and follow-up contacts. * Study documentation: Descriptive information regarding the conduct of the study and collection of Data, including study protocol, manual of operations/procedures, annotated data collection forms, codebooks /data dictionary, and descriptions of data derived from procedures. In the preparation and delivery of the Data to the NHLBI Data Repository, all personal identifiers will be eliminated. A summary of all proposed modifications and deletions to be made to a data set will be submitted to and approved by the NHLBI Data Repository representative prior to their implementation.

Publications

  • Prendergast H, Kitsiou S, Petzel Gimbar R, Freels S, Sanders A, Daviglus M, Kotini-Shah P, Carter B, Del Rios M, Heinert S, Khosla S. Emergency Department-Based Education and mHealth Empowerment Intervention for Hypertension: The TOUCHED Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol. 2025 Jul 1;10(7):657-665. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2025.0675.

    PubMed 40266598
  • Prendergast HM, Petzel-Gimbar R, Kitsiou S, Del Rios M, Lara B, Jackson M, Heinert S, Carter BL, Durazo-Arvizu RA, Daviglus M. Targeting of uncontrolled hypertension in the emergency department (TOUCHED): Design of a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials. 2021 Mar;102:106283. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106283. Epub 2021 Jan 20.

    PubMed 33484897

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing HTN Educational Video, Visual Echocardiogram Image Clips and Mobile Health and Remote BP monitoring in people with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases, run by University of Illinois Chicago at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 18 Jun 2025). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Difference at 6 Months Post-intervention Compared to Usual Care. (time frame: Baseline, 6 months after baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03749499, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Jun 2025.

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