Creating a mobile app to help patients with acid reflux ask better questions about their health
Official title: Developing, Refining, and Testing a Mobile Health Question Prompt List in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10916452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a friendly mobile app called 'Esophagus-Qs' to help people with GERD ask the right questions during doctor visits, so they can feel more confident and involved in managing their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,996 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK133664-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who experience chronic symptoms and seek to improve their health management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have GERD or those who are not interested in using mobile health technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile health app called 'Esophagus-Qs' designed specifically for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The app aims to enhance patient activation by providing a list of tailored questions that patients can use during medical appointments to improve communication with their healthcare providers. By utilizing a user-centered design approach, the research will refine and test the app to ensure it effectively motivates patients to engage in their health management. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes for individuals suffering from GERD by empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to manage their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with GERD by improving their ability to communicate with healthcare providers and adhere to treatment plans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mobile health interventions can effectively enhance patient activation and improve communication in various health conditions, suggesting a promising potential for this approach in GERD.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamal, Afrin — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kamal, Afrin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.