Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The OPTiMISE trial opened in April and has recruited its first two patients to the study.

The study aims to test the safety of reducing blood pressure lowering medications in elderly patients with mild hypertension. The trial begins with a two stage feasibility study to test recruitment and retention rates and this will be conducted in the Thames Valley region. Stage one will aim to recruit 25 patients over three months. Stage two will aim to recruit a further 75 patients across 6 months. Assuming recruitment rates are as expected during this period, the trial will then roll out at the other coordinating centres in Cambridge and Southampton towards the end of the year. Because the target population will contain patients who are potentially frail and suffering from multiple long term conditions, the study team are trialling some novel approaches to patient recruitment which will be examined as part of a concurrent qualitative evaluation. These approaches include a simplified patient and carer information sheet and a video infographic detailing the key aspects of the study in a two minute animation.