LAUSR

Objectives: A strategy of Initial or early use of a fixed half-dose combination of three blood pressure lowering drugs for hypertension management significantly improves BP control. We aimed to explore factors related to implementation of the intervention, mechanisms of effect, and contextual factors that may underpin the observed outcomes in a pragmatic implementation trial conducted in Sri Lanka, that evaluated the effectiveness of such a strategy. Methods: Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of trial participants and healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals included physicians and their staff who were involved in conducting the trial. Interviewees were recruited sequentially until thematic saturation was achieved. Interviews were audio recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim, and analysed in NVivo using framework analysis methods. Results: Preliminarily results suggest that early use of triple pill was highly acceptable to patients and healthcare professionals with a high willingness to use it post trial, if available. Full results of the process evaluation will be presented. Conclusion: This process evaluation will provide insights into the relevance, usefulness and adaptability of fixed low-dose triple combination therapy as initial or early therapy for hypertension. This will inform implementation and scale-up in Sri Lanka and other low- and middle-income settings.