A multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial to improve care-seeking behaviour after opportunistic screening in adults with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation

• Applicant: Dr. Amelie Ohlrogge
• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology ; Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 570009363

High blood pressure and atrial fibrillation are highly prevalent in both the German and Australian population, yet both are frequently undetected and undertreated. This results in a high number of potentially preventable cardiovascular diseases and associated mortality. Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of both diseases are imperative to prevent conditions such as stroke, heart failure or heart attacks and deaths resulting from these conditions. In opportunistic screening programmes like the May Measurement Month adults are voluntarily screened for these conditions. However, if an abnormality is detected which requires further workup or treatment these individuals need to actively contact the healthcare system. It has been demonstrated that this healthcare linkage after screening is low. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of evidence regarding methods to improve this critical care-seeking behaviour. In the proposed project we plan to engage in a collaborative process to co-design optimized information material together with patients and experts. In a multicentre, cluster-randomized trial embedded in the May Measurement Month in Australia, the objective is to investigate the effect of this co-designed information material on care-seeking behaviour in comparison to the standard study material after screening for high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. Further, we aim to determine the prevalence of undetected or inadequately controlled hypertension or AF in this unselected sample of the Australian population. Lastly, we aim to analyse the economic costs and benefits of implementing such a screening program. The findings from this trial are needed to guide future hypertension and atrial fibrillation screening programs to ensure that those with detected conditions are effectively integrated into care pathways.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Australia
• Host: Professorin Aletta Schutte, Ph.D.