Patient Preference for Ultrasound Renal Denervation as a Treatment Option for Hypertension: a Prospective Patient Preference Survey Study

Abstract

Objective: Patient Preference Information (PPI) provides important insight about patients’ thoughts about potential treatment options. Hypertension (HTN) remains global health concern with poor blood pressure (BP) control rates in US and globally. One key contributor to poor BP control is poor adherence to anti-hypertensive medication, which could be influenced by patient’s limited input in their disease management or treatment preference. RADIANCE studies demonstrated safety and efficacy of ultrasound renal denervation (uRDN) in lowering BP and was recently approved by US FDA as novel treatment option for patients with HTN. This prospective survey evaluates hypertensive patients’ preference towards uRDN as a treatment option. This study evaluates if factors such as: demographics, social and educational background, HTN severity and duration, number of anti-hypertensive medication, co-morbidities and anticipated BP reduction influence patient’s choice regarding preference for uRDN or device-based treatment for their HTN. Design and method: This prospective, single-centre, mixed qualitative-quantitative study uses an anonymised electronic survey completed by hypertensive patients 18-80 years age on their own in the clinic. Patients were shown uRDN animation, efficacy, and safety data from published studies before completing their treatment preference feedback Results: Total of 100 patients completed the survey and are included in the analysis. 45% of participants were in age range of 60-69 years, 70% male, 71% White Caucasian and 29% other races. Of those that completed the survey 30% found uRDN extremely appealing compared to 33% very, 25% somewhat, 7% slightly, and 2% not at all. When asked preference between having uRDN and continuing current treatment, 67% stated they would be more likely to choose renal denervation compared to 8% would continue current treatment and 22% did not know. Additional data regarding acceptable risk-benefit, preferred outcomes with uRDN, and what demographic factors influenced decision making will be presented at the conference. Conclusions: PPI survey is useful way of collecting hypertensive patients preference towards possible treatment options specifically uRDN as device based treatment option. PPI provides insight to health care providers and could improve patients adherence to treatments as they are more involved in their own care and decision making.