Improving communication and medication adherence in lupus patients

Intervention to Improve Patient-provider Communication and Medication Adherence Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT06458075

This study is testing a new program to help doctors and Black patients with lupus communicate better about their medications to see if it improves how well they stick to their treatment plans.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment480 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06458075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to enhance communication between clinicians and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to improve medication adherence. The CO-LEAD program trains clinicians to use effective communication strategies, review pharmacy refill data, and collaboratively address adherence barriers with patients. Additionally, patients will utilize a validated questionnaire to identify and communicate their adherence challenges. The study focuses on addressing racial disparities in medication adherence among Black patients with SLE.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who are receiving care from enrolled clinicians.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-English speakers or those prescribed only corticosteroids for SLE may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve medication adherence and health outcomes for patients with lupus, particularly among Black patients who face unique challenges.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various interventions aimed at improving medication adherence, this specific approach focusing on communication and addressing racial disparities is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Clinician Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult rheumatology attendings, advanced practice providers, and fellows at the two academic institutions
2. Clinicians who have ambulatory rheumatology care at least ½ day per week

Clinician Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinicians at Duke University who were involved in the investigators' pilot work
2. Clinicians with an anticipated departure from the institution in the 12 months following enrollment

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years or older
2. English-speaking, able to provide consent
3. Diagnosed with SLE and receiving care with enrolled clinicians
4. Prescribed at least one SLE medication, and filling their SLE mediations at a pharmacy linked to Surescripts reporting visible in Epic EMR.

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-English speakers
2. Patients who are prescribed only corticosteroids for SLE
3. Patients who are accompanied by third-party member that is not willing or able to remain in the waiting room during the patient's visit and

   * Does not wish to be audio recorded
   * A minor without a parental/legal guardian and/or
   * Unable to give consent

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.