Using technology to help liver transplant patients stick to their medication
Technology Enabled Strategies to Promote Treatment Adherence in Liver Transplant
This study tests whether using technology and support can help older adults who have had a liver transplant remember to take their medications as prescribed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Miami, Florida and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05260268 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates how technology, combined with support from transplant centers and caregivers, can improve medication adherence among new liver transplant recipients. It focuses on older adults who face complex health challenges and need to manage multiple medications post-transplant. The study will utilize a randomized controlled design across three major transplant centers, enrolling 360 participants who will be divided into intervention and usual care groups for 18 months. The intervention includes the use of electronic health records and a text messaging system to facilitate adherence.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are liver transplant recipients aged 50 or older, within 3 months of their transplant, who are comfortable using smartphones and receiving text messages.
Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or Spanish, or those with severe cognitive impairments, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance medication adherence and health outcomes for liver transplant recipients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology to improve medication adherence, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Liver Transplant Recipient Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older * Within 3 months of liver transplant * English or Spanish-speaking * Home-dwelling\* * Patient or care partner owns a smart phone and is comfortable receiving text messages and/or using the internet on the smart phone. * \*The definition of "home" includes hotel or short-term housing. Patients who are going to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility (SNF) immediately after transplant may still be recruited if the site-PI/Co-I determines they are likely to be discharged to home within 3 months post-transplant. Care Partner Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older * English or Spanish speaking * Care partner has access to a smart phone and is comfortable receiving text messages and/or using the internet on the smart phone. Liver Transplant Recipient Exclusion Criteria: * Liver transplant recipient who speaks neither English nor Spanish * Any severe uncorrectable vision, hearing, or cognitive impairments that may impede study interviews Care Partner Exclusion Criteria: * Care partner who speaks neither English nor Spanish
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida and 2 other locations
- University of Miami — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marina Serper, MD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Richard Mason, PharmD
- Email: richard.mason@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: (215) 662-3904
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.