A feasibility study of an eHealth intervention for dietary sodium reduction in primary care

Abstract

This thesis assessed the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol to implement a Sodium Calculator (SC) into primary care settings to determine if it improves quality of sodium reduction advice provided by physicians, with the results informing a fully powered RCT. Upon protocol implementation, the originally developed protocol was not initially feasible, but is expected to be with modifications, including: 1) employing a recruitment agency to recruit physicians and patients; 2) schedule recruited patients in consecutive blood pressure follow-up appointments to minimize study burden and increase recruitment and protocol adherence; 3) implement detailed procedures to minimize reporting bias. As part of this work, two questionnaires were developed and validated to evaluate quality of dietary sodium advice provided by physicians, and their self-efficacy in doing so. This research is the first phase of intervention implementation research related to the quality of care patients receive in hypertension prevention and management.