Improving medication adherence in young kidney and liver transplant patients using technology

Leveraging Technology to Improve Medication Adherence in Adolescent and Young Adult Kidney or Liver Transplant Recipients: A Micro-Randomized Trial

Not applicable Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT05613010

This study is testing a new mobile technology to help young kidney and liver transplant patients remember to take their medications regularly.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment65 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05613010 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance adherence to immunosuppressant medications among adolescents and young adults who have undergone kidney or liver transplantation. By utilizing a mobile technology intervention that includes real-time electronic pillboxes and text message prompts, the study seeks to address the high rates of medication nonadherence in this population. The intervention is designed to provide tailored support based on daily dosing behavior, thereby reducing the risk of rejection, graft loss, and other serious complications. The approach is grounded in the COM-B model, which focuses on behavior change through capability, opportunity, and motivation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents and young adults aged 13-25 who have undergone kidney or liver transplantation at least six months prior and are currently prescribed tacrolimus or sirolimus.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently receiving dialysis, hospitalized, or have significant developmental or cognitive delays may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve medication adherence, leading to better health outcomes and reduced rates of graft loss and complications in young transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology-based interventions to improve medication adherence, but this specific approach is innovative and addresses a critical gap in care for young transplant recipients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents and young adults (13-25 years old) who underwent kidney or liver transplantation at least 6 months prior to enrollment
* Currently prescribed tacrolimus or sirolimus.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving dialysis
* Hospitalized for duration of study
* Significant developmental or cognitive delay
* No access to a mobile device that supports text messaging
* Decline to use electronic pill box to monitor daily medication adherence
* Non-English speaking
* If a participant meets inclusion criteria, enrolls in the study, and experiences graft failure potentially leading to dialysis in the case of kidney transplant recipients, the participant will be given the option to continue in the study if they remain on tacrolimus or sirolimus.

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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 TransplantFailure,KidneyFailure, LiverAdherence, MedicationAdherence, PatientAdherence, Treatmentkidney transplantliver transplant
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.