Compliance was compared in 52 previously noncompliant hypertensive patients randomly assigned for 8 wk to either a nurse-operated hypertension clinic (control) or a patient-operated hypertension group (experimental). Control patients listened to audiotapes on hypertension and its management and met individually with a nurse who adjusted their drug regimens. Experimental patients were trained to take their own blood pressure (BP) and select their own drugs in a group program emphasizing informed self-help. After the 8 wk training period and at 2 and 6 mo. follow-up visits, both groups had significantly lower BP. Compared with control patients, experimental patients had lower diastolic BP, better pill counts and better attendance (all P < 0.05). Training noncompliant patients in groups to manage their own hypertension may achieve better results than tranditional management programs.