Using Mobile Technology to Improve Medication Taking in Adolescents and Young Adults With Kidney or Liver Transplants

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a mobile technology intervention to improve adherence to immunosuppressant medication in adolescents and young adults who have had kidney or liver transplants. The study addresses the high rates of medication nonadherence in this group, which leads to infections, rejection, graft loss, and death. This trial aims to fill the gap in real-time adherence management using electronic pillboxes and text messaging tailored to daily dosing behavior. Participants will use electronic pillboxes to monitor medication adherence over a 16-month period. The study begins with a 4-week baseline period without text messages. Then, during a 12-week micro-randomized trial, participants will receive either adherence support or no text message after missed doses and either praise or no text message after on-time doses. After this period, participants will continue using the pillboxes for 12 months without further text messages. Throughout the study, adherence is electronically tracked daily, and dosing times are based on participant-reported schedules for tacrolimus or sirolimus. Researchers will measure medication adherence and variability in dosing times over 16 months. The study includes follow-up to monitor adherence and outcomes related to transplant health and safety, with no masking or blinding involved.

Leveraging Technology to Improve Medication Adherence in Youth With Kidney or Liver Transplant