Using smartphone technology to improve medication adherence in children with sickle cell disease
Official title: ADHERE (Applying Directly observed therapy to HydroxyurEa to Realize Effectiveness)
Funded at Emocha Mobile Health, INC. · NIH-10922865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smartphone program that helps kids and teens with sickle cell disease remember to take their hydroxyurea medication by sending reminders and having trained observers check in with them through video, making it easier for them to stick to their treatment and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emocha Mobile Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Owings Mills, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $611,906 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL169085-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 0-20 years diagnosed with sickle cell disease who are prescribed hydroxyurea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with sickle cell disease or those who are not prescribed hydroxyurea will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving adherence to hydroxyurea treatment in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) using a smartphone-based approach called video directly observed therapy (VDOT). Participants will receive reminders, video monitoring by trained observers, and feedback to encourage them to take their medication as prescribed. The study aims to address the common issue of non-adherence, which limits the effectiveness of hydroxyurea in managing SCD. By enhancing engagement and adherence, the research seeks to reduce the burden of SCD complications in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease by ensuring they adhere to their medication regimen.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar adherence-promoting strategies, although this specific approach using VDOT is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emocha Mobile Health, INC.
Owings Mills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seiguer, Sebastian — Emocha Mobile Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Seiguer, Sebastian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Smartphone video support to help kids and teens take hydroxyurea
This offers a smartphone video program to help children and teens with sickle cell disease take their hydroxyurea medicine regularly.
-
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Using a mobile app to help young heart transplant patients take their medications
This study is looking at whether a mobile app that helps teens who have had a heart transplant remember to take their medications works better than regular check-ins with doctors, to see which way helps them stay healthy and feel better overall.
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.