The BASIC-S Feasibility Study for Vascular Risk Reduction

Summary

Vascular risk factors drive stroke, heart disease, and dementia, but translating lifestyle guidelines into routine clinical care remains challenging. To address this, we developed the BASIC-S framework, targeting Blood pressure, Activity, Sleep, Interaction (socially), Consumption (nutrition), and Support using partner support and motivational interviewing. This individual-focused approach bypasses the logistical and financial barriers of complex clinical interventions by using sustained behavioral science to support gradual lifestyle changes. This study is a single-center, mixed-methods, cluster-randomized pilot trial evaluating the feasibility of the BASIC-S protocol in an occupational setting. A maximum of 60 households (120 participants) will be randomized 1:1 to either the BASIC-S intervention (motivational coaching, secure video check-ins, automated text messages, and a digital workbook) or standard care. Outcomes will assess feasibility, acceptability, and the validity of new tracking metrics to inform a future full-scale trial.

Conditions

• Hypertension (HTN)
• Vascular Diseases
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Cardiovascular Risk Factor
• Cognitive Decline

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

BASIC-S Intervention

Participants attend an initial 45-minute goal-setting session with a certified wellness coach. Subsequent support includes an interactive BASIC-S Digital Workbook, automated twice-weekly motivational and educational SMS messages via Twilio, and biweekly (every two weeks) 15-20 minute face-to-face secure video booster sessions (via Microsoft Teams) using motivational interviewing. Intervention households receive a validated automated home blood pressure monitor at baseline.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard / Usual Care

Participants are instructed to continue routine medical follow-up as directed by their primary care providers. To serve as a true comparator, no study-specific behavioral prompts or educational materials are provided during the active 6-month study period. To maximize ethical benefit (waitlist control), control households receive the complete BASIC-S Digital Workbook and a validated automated home blood pressure monitor at the conclusion of their 6-month follow-up visit.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario

  collaborator OTHER

• Andrew Appleton

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-10-01

Primary Completion

2027-07-01

Completion

2027-10-01

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations