Text Message Gamification and Remote Support for Medication Adherence

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ascension Health

Must be taking: Statins

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 text messages and remote support can help people take their statin medications more regularly. Statins play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease, yet many individuals find it challenging to adhere to their prescribed regimen. The trial includes two groups: one will receive usual care, while the other will receive engaging text messages and support from nurses. Individuals prescribed statins who have filled their prescriptions twice in the past year but still struggle with regular intake might be suitable candidates. Participants must have a mobile phone or email to receive digital messages. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to improve medication adherence and potentially enhance health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it seems focused on helping you stick to your statin medication.

What prior data suggests that this gamification intervention is safe for improving medication adherence?

Research has shown that using text messages, games, and remote support can be effective and safe. Previous studies found that these methods help people remember to take their medicine as prescribed, with no serious side effects reported.

Although this trial doesn't involve taking medicine, it uses tools like text messages and games to remind people to take their meds on time. These methods are typically easy to use, and participants in other studies have found them helpful.

Overall, evidence suggests that this approach is safe and can improve medication habits without causing harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Text Message Gamification and Remote Support treatment because it aims to tackle medication adherence in a novel way. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on regular reminders or patient-initiated follow-ups, this approach uses interactive text messages and remote support to engage patients actively. The gamification element is particularly unique, as it transforms the often mundane task of medication adherence into an engaging and rewarding experience, potentially improving patient involvement and outcomes. By leveraging technology, this method could provide real-time support and motivation, making it a promising strategy for enhancing adherence without the need for frequent in-person visits.

What evidence suggests that text message gamification and remote support is effective for improving statin adherence?

Research has shown that sending text messages can help people take their medication more regularly. A review of several studies found that patients who received these messages adhered better to their medication schedules. Adding reminders and fun elements, like games, to these messages has also helped people take their medication and improve health outcomes, such as lowering blood sugar levels. While these methods might not change patients' feelings about their medication, they effectively help people stay on track. In this trial, participants in the Text Message Group will receive text message games and remote support, which may help them take their statins more regularly and potentially lower the risk of heart disease. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who have a primary care provider with Ascension, are on statin medication but haven't been taking it regularly, and are open to digital communication. They must have filled two statin prescriptions in the last year and be able to receive text messages or emails.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a primary care provider (PCP) employed by Ascension

PDC <80% in the prior 12 months

Have consented for electronic communications with Ascension

Exclusion Criteria

Patients will be excluded if they do not meet our inclusion criteria.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive the MedTrack text message intervention and remote support

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for statin adherence and health outcomes after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Text Message Gamification and Remote Support

Trial Overview The study tests if a game-like text messaging system combined with remote nursing support can help people stick to their statin medication routine better than usual care without these features.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Text Message Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the intervention arm will have consented for participation in the MedTrack program and will receive the text message intervention and remote support within 1-2 weeks of enrolling.

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the usual care arm will have consented for participation and will be informed they are on a waiting list for approximately 6-12 months. During that time they will receive no additional interventions beyond usual care and not be be invited again to enroll in the MedTrack program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ascension Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

28

Recruited

543,000+

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Collaborator

Trials

1,694

Recruited

14,790,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11134245/

Understanding Patient Perspectives on the Use of ... This qualitative study aims to identify patient perspectives on the use of gamification and financial incentives in mobile health (mHealth) apps for medication ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2561101125000054

A Medication Management App (Smart-Meds) for Patients ... The results did not indicate a significant improvement in participants' beliefs about medication following the intervention. However, self- ...

3. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/jodb/fulltext/2021/12040/impact_of_integrated_medication_reminders,.9.aspx

Impact of Integrated Medication Reminders, Gamification,... Over the study duration, the incentive group showed a significant improvement in medication adherence (P < 0.001) and significant HbA1c reduction (P < 0.001).

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05326386

Gamification and Medication Adherence (GAME Adherence) The study will randomize 84 patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a history of poor medication adherence seen in a single Penn Medicine clinic to an ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4939231/

The Effectiveness of Mobile Phone Text Messaging in ... The results of this systematic review indicated that text messaging interventions have improved patients' medication adherence rate (85%, 29.34).

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/text-message-gamification-and-remote-support-for-medication-adherence-6ca93

Text Message Gamification and Remote Support for ... Statins have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but adherence to these medications is suboptimal.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738399122000337

The presence of accountability in digital interventions ... The current study aimed to assess whether publications on digital adherence interventions discuss accountability, include intervention components related to ...