Online Program for Medication Adherence

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wake Forest University

Must be taking: Hypertension, Cholesterol, Diabetes, Depression

Disqualifiers: Inadequate Internet access, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an online program can help people take their medications more regularly. It targets individuals managing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression. Participants will be divided into groups to receive internet surveys at varying frequencies over a year. Those who have been filling prescriptions for these conditions at specific pharmacies and can complete online surveys may be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance medication adherence for many.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your current medications since the study focuses on improving medication use.

What prior data suggests that this Internet-based intervention is safe for improving medication adherence?

Research has shown that using online surveys to assist with medication adherence is safe. In past studies, internet tools have helped individuals track their medication without major safety issues. For example, one study tested a smartphone app designed to aid correct medication use and found it safe and useful.

The goal is to enhance medication adherence through regular online check-ins. This non-invasive approach does not involve medical procedures or drugs that might cause side effects. Participants primarily use computers or phones to interact with the program.

Overall, using online surveys or apps for medication adherence is generally well-tolerated. Available research reports no significant harm or negative effects, suggesting that joining such online programs is safe for most people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to improve medication adherence using online surveys. Unlike traditional methods, which might involve face-to-face meetings or phone calls, this trial investigates how regular internet surveys can help patients stay on track with their medications. The trial is unique because it tests different frequencies and durations of survey engagement to see which approach is most effective. This could lead to more personalized and convenient strategies for supporting patients in managing their health.

What evidence suggests that this trial's internet-based interventions could be effective for improving medication adherence?

This trial will compare different approaches to using internet surveys to improve medication adherence. Studies have shown that digital tools can help people take their medicine as prescribed. Research suggests that programs lasting six months or more are usually more effective. For example, one study found that online programs significantly improved adherence to medication schedules. Another study showed that alerts and reminders can help people remember to take their medicine. Overall, internet-based programs seem promising for helping people take their medications correctly and on time. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Steve R Feldman, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who are currently taking oral medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression and get their prescriptions from specific pharmacies. Participants must plan to use the same pharmacy for the next year and be able to complete surveys online in English.

Exclusion Criteria

Patient does not intend to continue using the same WFBMC-affiliated pharmacy for the next 12 months.

Inability to complete Internet surveys due to inadequate Internet access, not understanding a survey written in English, or lack of computer skills.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants complete weekly internet surveys for eight weeks, followed by different survey frequencies based on group assignment

12 months

Weekly or monthly internet surveys

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for adherence and medication use after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Internet Survey

Trial Overview The study is testing an Internet-based intervention designed to improve medication usage among patients with certain chronic conditions. It involves participants completing internet surveys about their experience with medications.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group C Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Randomization occurs after enrollment survey has been completed. This group will complete weekly internet surveys for eight weeks. Upon secondary randomization at week eight, the group will not receive any more internet surveys. They will be asked to complete the final survey.

Group II: Intervention Group B Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Randomization occurs after enrollment survey has been completed. This group will complete weekly internet surveys for eight weeks. Upon secondary randomization at week eight, this group will begin to receive monthly internet surveys. They will be asked to complete the final survey.

Group III: Intervention Group A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Randomization occurs after enrollment survey has been completed. Upon secondary randomization at week eight, this group will continue to receive weekly internet surveys for the entire twelve months. They will be asked to complete the final survey.

Group IV: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Randomization occurs after enrollment survey has been completed. This group will not receive the internet intervention for the twelve months. They will be asked to complete the final survey.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

193

Recruited

151,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12549263/

Digital interventions in medication adherence: a narrative ... Interventions lasting 6 months or longer were more effective than those that are shorter term (Belete et al., 2023), and tapering for an additional 3 months has ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9030914/

Effectiveness of a Pharmacist-Led Web-Based Medication ... This study showed no effectiveness of a risk stratification and tailored intervention addressing personal barriers for medication adherence.

3. jmir.org jmir.org/2024/1/e58013/

Effectiveness of eHealth Interventions in Improving ... Outcomes: the primary outcome was medication adherence, defined as the degree to which an individual's medication-taking behavior aligns ...

4. mghihp.edu mghihp.edu/news-and-more/opinions/data-analytics/smart-reminders-healthier-lives-improving-medication-adherence-through-data-centric-alerts

Improving Medication Adherence through Data-Centric Alerts This blog explores how data-driven alerts, including automated, real-time notifications generated from clinical and behavioral data, can enhance medication ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551741115002612

Impact of a web-based intervention on the awareness ... Results indicated a statistically significant increase in the primary outcome of increasing awareness of the importance of medication adherence. More patients ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11026187/

Effects of a medication adherence app among ... This study investigated the effect of a smartphone app on adherence, self-efficacy, knowledge, and medication social support in a medically underserved adult ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9936360/

Internet Use for Obtaining Medicine Information: Cross ... Poor interpretation of medicine information can lead to anxiety and poor adherence to drug therapy. It is therefore important to understand how ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016422000019

The Impact of Patient Access to Their Electronic Health ... In a quasi-experimental trial, online access to OpenNotes was also found to increase reported medication adherence as 60–78% of patients taking medications ( ...