Evaluation of an AIDS educational game (AIDS Fighter · Health Defense) for young students to improve AIDS-related knowledge, stigma and attitude of high-risk behaviors in China: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Tang ◽  
Xingli Yu ◽  
Jianlan Ren ◽  
Mei Li ◽  
Yue Luo
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Educational Game ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Young Students ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND The AIDS epidemic among young students is serious, and effective preventive interventions are urgently needed. Game-based intervention has become an innovative way to change healthy behaviors, and we have developed an AIDS educational game called AIDS Fighter · Health Defense. In this study we pilot-tested the effect of an AIDS Fighter · Health Defense for young students to improve AIDS-related knowledge, stigma and attitude of high-risk behaviors in Southwest China. OBJECTIVE To pilot-test the effect of an AIDS educational game (AIDS Fighter · Health Defense) for young students to improve AIDS-related knowledge, stigma and attitude of high-risk behaviors in Southwest China. METHODS A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 14 to September 27, 2020. Ninety-six students from two classes in a middle school were selected by stratified cluster sampling in Luzhou City, China. The two classes were randomly divided into the intervention group (n=50) and the control group (n=46) . The intervention group received AIDS educational game (AIDS Fighter · Health Defense); the control group learned AIDS-related knowledge through independent learning on the QQ chat group. The AIDS-related knowledge questionnaire, the stigma scale, the attitude questionnaire on AIDS-related high-risk behaviors were used to measure the effect of an AIDS educational game. The user's experience of the game was assessed by the Educational Game User Experience Evaluation Scale. SPSS 21.0 was used to analyze the data, and the difference was statistically significant with P≤0.05. RESULTS After the intervention, the AIDS knowledge awareness rate (X ̅±S, ％) of the intervention group and the control group were 70.09±11.58 and 57.49±16.58（t=4.282, P<0.001）. The stigma scores of the two groups were 2.44±0.57 and 2.48±0.47（t=0.354, P =0.724）, The positive rate (X ̅±S, ％) of attitudes of high-risk AIDS behaviors of the two groups were 82.00±23.44 and 79.62±17.94（t=0.555, P =0.580. A total of 54.73% of users rated the game as excellent, 31.45% of good, 13.09% of medium, and 0.73% of poor. CONCLUSIONS AIDS Fighter · Health Defense could increase the AIDS-related knowledge among young students, but the effect in reducing AIDS-related stigma and improving the attitudes of high-risk AIDS behaviors has not appeared. Long-term effects and large-scale studies are needed to assess the efficacy of game-based intervention. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000038230)

scholarly journals Usability and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Preoperative mHealth App for People Undergoing Major Surgery: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam van der Velde ◽  
Karin Valkenet ◽  
Edwin Geleijn ◽  
Marjoke Kruisselbrink ◽  
Marije Marsman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Major Surgery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Major surgery is associated with negative postoperative outcomes such as complications and delayed or poor recovery. Multimodal prehabilitation can help to reduce the negative effects of major surgery. Offering prehabilitation by means of mobile health (mHealth) could be an effective new approach. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) evaluate the usability of the Be Prepared mHealth app prototype for people undergoing major surgery, (2) explore whether the app was capable of bringing about a change in risk behaviors, and (3) estimate a preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery after major surgery. METHODS A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in two Dutch academic hospitals. In total, 86 people undergoing major surgery participated. Participants in the intervention group received access to the Be Prepared app, a smartphone app using behavior change techniques to address risk behavior prior to surgery. Both groups received care as usual. Usability (System Usability Scale), change in risk behaviors 3 days prior to surgery, and functional recovery 30 days after discharge from hospital (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical functioning 8-item short form) were assessed using online questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable linear regression. Semistructured interviews about the usability of the app were conducted with 12 participants in the intervention group. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS Seventy-nine people—40 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group—were available for further analysis. Participants had a median age of 61 (interquartile range 51.0-68.0) years. The System Usability Scale showed that patients considered the Be Prepared app to have acceptable usability (mean 68.2 [SD 18.4]). Interviews supported the usability of the app. The major point of improvement identified was further personalization of the app. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed an increase in self-reported physical activity and muscle strengthening activities prior to surgery. Also, 2 of 2 frequent alcohol users in the intervention group versus 1 of 9 in the control group drank less alcohol in the run-up to surgery. No difference was found in change of smoking cessation. Between-group analysis showed no meaningful differences in functional recovery after correction for baseline values (β=–2.4 [95% CI –5.9 to 1.1]). CONCLUSIONS The Be Prepared app prototype shows potential in terms of usability and changing risk behavior prior to major surgery. No preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery was found. Points of improvement have been identified with which the app and future research can be optimized. CLINICALTRIAL Netherlands Trial Registry NL8623; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8623

scholarly journals Usability and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Preoperative mHealth App for People Undergoing Major Surgery: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/23402 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e23402
Author(s):  
Miriam van der Velde ◽  
Karin Valkenet ◽  
Edwin Geleijn ◽  
Marjoke Kruisselbrink ◽  
Marije Marsman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Major Surgery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Major surgery is associated with negative postoperative outcomes such as complications and delayed or poor recovery. Multimodal prehabilitation can help to reduce the negative effects of major surgery. Offering prehabilitation by means of mobile health (mHealth) could be an effective new approach. Objective The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) evaluate the usability of the Be Prepared mHealth app prototype for people undergoing major surgery, (2) explore whether the app was capable of bringing about a change in risk behaviors, and (3) estimate a preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery after major surgery. Methods A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in two Dutch academic hospitals. In total, 86 people undergoing major surgery participated. Participants in the intervention group received access to the Be Prepared app, a smartphone app using behavior change techniques to address risk behavior prior to surgery. Both groups received care as usual. Usability (System Usability Scale), change in risk behaviors 3 days prior to surgery, and functional recovery 30 days after discharge from hospital (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical functioning 8-item short form) were assessed using online questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable linear regression. Semistructured interviews about the usability of the app were conducted with 12 participants in the intervention group. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Seventy-nine people—40 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group—were available for further analysis. Participants had a median age of 61 (interquartile range 51.0-68.0) years. The System Usability Scale showed that patients considered the Be Prepared app to have acceptable usability (mean 68.2 [SD 18.4]). Interviews supported the usability of the app. The major point of improvement identified was further personalization of the app. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed an increase in self-reported physical activity and muscle strengthening activities prior to surgery. Also, 2 of 2 frequent alcohol users in the intervention group versus 1 of 9 in the control group drank less alcohol in the run-up to surgery. No difference was found in change of smoking cessation. Between-group analysis showed no meaningful differences in functional recovery after correction for baseline values (β=–2.4 [95% CI –5.9 to 1.1]). Conclusions The Be Prepared app prototype shows potential in terms of usability and changing risk behavior prior to major surgery. No preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery was found. Points of improvement have been identified with which the app and future research can be optimized. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Registry NL8623; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8623

scholarly journals Impact of goal-directed hemodynamic management on the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy: a pilot randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong-Fang Wu ◽  
Hao Kong ◽  
Zhen-Zhen Xu ◽  
Huai-Jin Li ◽  
Dong-Liang Mu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Partial Nephrectomy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hemodynamic Management ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Renal Hilum ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains high after partial nephrectomy. Ischemia-reperfusion injury produced by renal hilum clamping during surgery might have contributed to the development of AKI. In this study we tested the hypothesis that goal-directed fluid and blood pressure management may reduce AKI in patients following partial nephrectomy. Methods This was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Adult patients who were scheduled to undergo partial nephrectomy were randomized into two groups. In the intervention group, goal-directed hemodynamic management was performed from renal hilum clamping until end of surgery; the target was to maintain stroke volume variation < 6%, cardiac index 3.0–4.0 L/min/m2 and mean arterial pressure > 95 mmHg with crystalloid fluids and infusion of dobutamine and/or norepinephrine. In the control group, hemodynamic management was performed according to routine practice. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI within the first 3 postoperative days. Results From June 2016 to January 2017, 144 patients were enrolled and randomized (intervention group, n = 72; control group, n = 72). AKI developed in 12.5% of patients in the intervention group and in 20.8% of patients in the control group; the relative reduction of AKI was 39.9% in the intervention group but the difference was not statistically significant (relative risk 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–1.28; P = 0.180). No significant differences were found regarding AKI classification, change of estimated glomerular filtration rate over time, incidence of postoperative 30-day complications, postoperative length of hospital stay, as well as 30-day and 6-month mortality between the two groups. Conclusion For patients undergoing partial nephrectomy, goal-directed circulatory management during surgery reduced postoperative AKI by about 40%, although not significantly so. The trial was underpowered. Large sample size randomized trials are needed to confirm our results. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02803372. Date of registration: June 6, 2016.

Effect of buddy-style intervention on exercise adherence in community-dwelling disabled older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110411
Author(s):  
Hiromichi Takeda ◽  
Katsuhiko Takatori
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Adherence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Day Care ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
And Control ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To assess the preliminary effects of a buddy-style intervention to improve exercise adherence. Design A parallel-group, open-label, pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting Adult day-care centers. Participants Sixty-five disabled older adults. Interventions All participants underwent a 12-week home exercise program, and the intervention group received a 5–10 min buddy-style intervention between older adults in the intervention group once weekly at an adult day-care center. Main measures Based on the exercise log calendar, the number of days of exercise was assessed for each of the three phases: 1–4 weeks, 5–8 weeks, and 9–12 weeks. Short physical performance battery was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results Of the 590 screened older adults, 65 were recruited and 33 were assigned to the intervention group. One participant in each group withdrew before the program began, and four and five patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, dropped out by the 12-week assessment. Analysis of covariance of the 28 and 26 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, for whom exercise log calendars could be retrieved, showed that the intervention group (24.4/28 days) exercised significantly more days than the control group (20.6/28 days) at 9–12 weeks ( P = 0.009). In the between-group effect of the intention-to-treat analysis of short physical performance battery, walking and standing test ( P = 0.790, P = 0.829) were not significantly different, and balance test ( P = 0.049) was significantly better in the control group. Conclusions There was a preliminary effect of the buddy-style intervention to improve exercise adherence.

scholarly journals Medication Adherence Support of an In-home Electronic Medication Dispensing System for Individuals living with Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mubashir Arain ◽  
Armghan Ahmad ◽  
Venus Chiu ◽  
Lorena Kembel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Medication adherence is challenging for older adults due to factors such as the number of medications, dosing schedule, and the duration of drug therapy. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an in-home electronic medication dispensing system (MDS) on improving medication adherence and health perception in older adults with chronic conditions. Methods: A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted using a two-arm parallel assignment model. The intervention group used an MDS as their medication management method. The control group continued to use their current methods of medication management. Block randomization was used to assign participants into the intervention or control group. The inclusion criteria included 1) English speaking 2) age 50 and over 3) diagnosed with one or more chronic condition(s) 4) currently taking five or more oral medications 5) City of Calgary resident. Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in Alberta, Canada. The study was open label where knowledge about group assigned to participants after randomization was not withheld. Medication adherence was captured over a continuous, six-month period and analyzed using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analysis. Results: A total of 91 participants were assessed for eligibility and 50 were randomized into the two groups. The number of participants analyzed for ITT was 23 and 25 in the intervention and control group, respectively. Most of the demographic characteristics were comparable in the two groups except mean age of the intervention group, which was higher compared to the control group (63.96±7.86 versus 59.52±5.93, p-value=0.03). The average recorded adherence over 26 weeks was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (98.35%±2.15% versus 91.17%±9.76%, p<0.01). The self-rated medication adherence in the intervention group also showed a significant increase from baseline to 6-month (7.63±1.63 versus 9.13±0.81, p<0.01). The control group showed a non-significant increase (7.20±1.74 versus 8.27±2.09, p=0.07). Conclusion: MDS can be an effective, long-term solution to medication non-adherence in older adults experiencing chronic conditions and taking multiple medications. The technology induces better consistency and improvement in medication taking behaviour than simple, non-technological intervention. Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on April 09, 2020 with identifier NCT04339296.

scholarly journals Differential Diagnosis Assessment in Ambulatory Care With an Automated Medical History–Taking Device: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/14044 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e14044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrien Jean-Pierre Schwitzguebel ◽  
Clarisse Jeckelmann ◽  
Roberto Gavinio ◽  
Cécile Levallois ◽  
Charles Benaïm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Differential Diagnoses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Diagnosis Accuracy ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Automated medical history–taking devices (AMHTDs) are emerging tools with the potential to increase the quality of medical consultations by providing physicians with an exhaustive, high-quality, standardized anamnesis and differential diagnosis. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an AMHTD to obtain an accurate differential diagnosis in an outpatient service. Methods We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 59 patients presenting to an emergency outpatient unit and suffering from various conditions affecting the limbs, the back, and the chest wall. Resident physicians were randomized into 2 groups, one assisted by the AMHTD and one without access to the device. For each patient, physicians were asked to establish an exhaustive differential diagnosis based on the anamnesis and clinical examination. In the intervention group, residents read the AMHTD report before performing the anamnesis. In both the groups, a senior physician had to establish a differential diagnosis, considered as the gold standard, independent of the resident’s opinion and AMHTD report. Results A total of 29 patients were included in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. Differential diagnosis accuracy was higher in the intervention group (mean 75%, SD 26%) than in the control group (mean 59%, SD 31%; P=.01). Subgroup analysis showed a between-group difference of 3% (83% [17/21]-80% [14/17]) for low complexity cases (1-2 differential diagnoses possible) in favor of the AMHTD (P=.76), 31% (87% [13/15]-56% [18/33]) for intermediate complexity (3 differential diagnoses; P=.02), and 24% (63% [34/54]-39% [14/35]) for high complexity (4-5 differential diagnoses; P=.08). Physicians in the intervention group (mean 4.3, SD 2) had more years of clinical practice compared with the control group (mean 5.5, SD 2; P=.03). Differential diagnosis accuracy was negatively correlated to case complexity (r=0.41; P=.001) and the residents’ years of practice (r=0.04; P=.72). The AMHTD was able to determine 73% (SD 30%) of correct differential diagnoses. Patient satisfaction was good (4.3/5), and 26 of 29 patients (90%) considered that they were able to accurately describe their symptomatology. In 8 of 29 cases (28%), residents considered that the AMHTD helped to establish the differential diagnosis. Conclusions The AMHTD allowed physicians to make more accurate differential diagnoses, particularly in complex cases. This could be explained not only by the ability of the AMHTD to make the right diagnoses, but also by the exhaustive anamnesis provided.

scholarly journals Text Messaging Adherence Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and Stakeholder Interviews (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyd Eaton ◽  
Margaret Comer ◽  
Cozumel Pruette ◽  
Kevin Psoter ◽  
Kristin Riekert
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Up to one-third of adolescents and young adults (11-21 years old) with chronic kidney disease exhibit suboptimal rates of adherence to renal-protective antihypertensive medications. Mobile health interventions may promote higher adherence to these medicines in these individuals, but empirical research is needed to inform best practices for applying these modalities. OBJECTIVE In this multiphase investigation, we developed and tested a theoretically informed text messaging intervention based on the COM-B model, a well-established health intervention framework stating that capability, opportunity, and motivation interactively modify health behaviors, to improve participants’ antihypertensive medication adherence in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Qualitative data on user experiences were obtained. METHODS In phase 1, intervention messages (Reminder+COM-B Message) were developed via stakeholder engagement of participants and pediatric nephrologists. In phase 2, the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was tested against a Reminder-only Message active control condition in an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was daily electronically monitored antihypertensive medication adherence and secondary outcomes included pre-post participant surveys of adherence self-efficacy, adherence barriers, outcome expectancies for taking medicine, and motivation for and importance of taking medicine. In phase 3, qualitative interviews related to user experiences were conducted with participants in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group. RESULTS Following phase 1, 34 participants (mean age 16.59 years, 41% female, 38% African American/Black, 35% hypertension diagnosis) completed the phase 2 pilot randomized controlled trial (n=18 in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group, n=16 in the Reminder-only Message active control group). All participants in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group completed a phase 3 qualitative interview. Overall, study procedures were feasible and the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was acceptable to the participants (eg, 15/18 participants reported reading the majority of messages sent to them, 0/18 reported that the messages reduced their desire to take medicine). Prerandomization, there were no significant group differences in the rate of change in daily adherence over time. However, postrandomization, there was a significant group by time interaction (B=.01, <i>P</i>=.04) in which daily adherence decreased significantly over time in the Reminder-only Message active control group but remained stable in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group. There were no significant differences between groups in pre-post changes in survey responses. Qualitative interviews revealed participants’ perceptions of how the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention changed adherence behavior and highlighted several areas for improving the intervention (eg, adapt messaging timing, intensity, and content to match daily adherence, send praise when medicine is taken). CONCLUSIONS The Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was feasible and acceptable to adolescents/young adults and demonstrated potential to promote participants’ daily medication adherence beyond simple reminders. Further research is needed to determine the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention’s mechanisms of adherence behavior change and to incorporate qualitative participant feedback into a modified version of this intervention to enhance its acceptability. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03651596; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03651596

scholarly journals Text Messaging Adherence Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and Stakeholder Interviews

10.2196/19861 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. e19861
Author(s):  
Cyd Eaton ◽  
Margaret Comer ◽  
Cozumel Pruette ◽  
Kevin Psoter ◽  
Kristin Riekert
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Up to one-third of adolescents and young adults (11-21 years old) with chronic kidney disease exhibit suboptimal rates of adherence to renal-protective antihypertensive medications. Mobile health interventions may promote higher adherence to these medicines in these individuals, but empirical research is needed to inform best practices for applying these modalities. Objective In this multiphase investigation, we developed and tested a theoretically informed text messaging intervention based on the COM-B model, a well-established health intervention framework stating that capability, opportunity, and motivation interactively modify health behaviors, to improve participants’ antihypertensive medication adherence in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Qualitative data on user experiences were obtained. Methods In phase 1, intervention messages (Reminder+COM-B Message) were developed via stakeholder engagement of participants and pediatric nephrologists. In phase 2, the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was tested against a Reminder-only Message active control condition in an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was daily electronically monitored antihypertensive medication adherence and secondary outcomes included pre-post participant surveys of adherence self-efficacy, adherence barriers, outcome expectancies for taking medicine, and motivation for and importance of taking medicine. In phase 3, qualitative interviews related to user experiences were conducted with participants in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group. Results Following phase 1, 34 participants (mean age 16.59 years, 41% female, 38% African American/Black, 35% hypertension diagnosis) completed the phase 2 pilot randomized controlled trial (n=18 in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group, n=16 in the Reminder-only Message active control group). All participants in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group completed a phase 3 qualitative interview. Overall, study procedures were feasible and the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was acceptable to the participants (eg, 15/18 participants reported reading the majority of messages sent to them, 0/18 reported that the messages reduced their desire to take medicine). Prerandomization, there were no significant group differences in the rate of change in daily adherence over time. However, postrandomization, there was a significant group by time interaction (B=.01, P=.04) in which daily adherence decreased significantly over time in the Reminder-only Message active control group but remained stable in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group. There were no significant differences between groups in pre-post changes in survey responses. Qualitative interviews revealed participants’ perceptions of how the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention changed adherence behavior and highlighted several areas for improving the intervention (eg, adapt messaging timing, intensity, and content to match daily adherence, send praise when medicine is taken). Conclusions The Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was feasible and acceptable to adolescents/young adults and demonstrated potential to promote participants’ daily medication adherence beyond simple reminders. Further research is needed to determine the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention’s mechanisms of adherence behavior change and to incorporate qualitative participant feedback into a modified version of this intervention to enhance its acceptability. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03651596; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03651596

scholarly journals Medication Adherence Support of an In-home Electronic Medication Dispensing System for Individuals living with Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mubashir Arain ◽  
Armghan Ahmad ◽  
Venus Chiu ◽  
Lorena Kembel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Medication adherence is challenging for older adults due to factors, such as the number of medications, dosing schedule, and the duration of drug therapy. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an in-home electronic medication dispensing system (MDS) on improving medication adherence and health perception in older adults with chronic conditions.Methods: A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted using a two-arm parallel assignment model. The intervention group used an MDS as their medication management method. The control group continued to use their current methods of medication management. Block randomization was used to assign participants into the intervention or control group. The inclusion criteria included 1) English speaking 2) age 50 and over 3) diagnosed with one or more chronic condition(s) 4) currently taking five or more oral medications 5) City of Calgary resident. Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in Alberta, Canada. The study was open label where knowledge about group assigned to participants after randomization was not withheld. Medication adherence was captured over a continuous, six-month period and analyzed using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analysis.Results: A total of 91 participants were assessed for eligibility and 50 were randomized into the two groups. The number of participants analyzed for ITT was 23 and 25 in the intervention and control group, respectively. Most of the demographic characteristics were comparable in the two groups except mean age of the intervention group, which was higher compared to the control group (63.96±7.86 versus 59.52±5.93, p-value=0.03). The average recorded adherence over 26 weeks was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (98.35%±2.15% versus 91.17%±9.76%, p<0.01). The self-rated medication adherence in the intervention group also showed a significant increase from baseline to 6-month (7.63±1.63 versus 9.13±0.81, p<0.01). The control group showed a non-significant increase (7.20±1.74 versus 8.27±2.09, p=0.07).Conclusion: MDS can be an effective, long-term solution to medication non-adherence in older adults experiencing chronic conditions and taking multiple medications. The technology induces better consistency and improvement in medication taking behaviour than simple, non-technological intervention.Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on April 09, 2020 with identifier NCT04339296.

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