Accurx - Inhaler Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of supportive text messages from GP practices on self-reported symptoms and inhaler adherence in patients with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have been prescribed a preventer (daily) inhaler.
IRAS ID
316452
Contact name
Luke Twelves
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Accurx
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Asthma and COPD are lung conditions that affect a considerable proportion of the UK population, and non-adherence to medication may prevent optimal patient outcomes. It is estimated that only approximately 50% of medications for chronic disease are taken as prescribed, and adherence for asthma and COPD medication may be even lower than this.
Research suggests that text message interventions can help improve adherence to medication in patients. Drawing on this research, Accurx (a software company that enables NHS healthcare teams and patients to communicate) has developed a 6-month series of text messages which aims to improve medication adherence and symptom control in patients with asthma and COPD.
We will conduct an individual-level randomised controlled trial with a sample of approximately 4,000 UK GP practice asthma and COPD patients. The aim of the study is to determine the impact, if any, of this series of text messages (our ‘intervention’) on various outcomes including medication adherence, symptom control, frequency of prescription requests and self-reported NHS service utilisation.
Participants will be recruited via their GP practice and, if they consent to take part, they will be allocated to either the control group (these participants will receive usual care) or the intervention group (these participants will receive usual care, and in addition they will receive the ‘intervention’ series of medication adherence text messages). The text message series will be sent automatically via the Accurx platform on behalf of the GP practice. All participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire at baseline, midpoint and endline for the outcome measures.
Statistical analyses will be performed on the study data at the end of the 6 month trial period and findings will be disseminated widely.
All participants will continue to receive their normal standard of care for the duration of the trial.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0332
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion