The evaluation of tailored electronic reminders on compliance

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Evaluation of tailored electronic reminders on compliance with removable orthodontic retention: a randomised controlled trial.

• IRAS ID

  201263

• Contact name

  Padhraig Fleming

• Contact email

  padhraig.fleming@qmul.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Queen Mary University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, days

• Research summary

  Summary of Research
  Orthodontic retention following treatment is essential to resist the tendency of teeth to return to their pre-treatment positions. Removable retainers worn on either a full- or part-time basis are acceptable retention procedures. However, removable retention places a premium on excellent long-term compliance.
  Within the biomedical literature there is ample evidence alluding to the effectiveness of electronic and telecommunication systems in improving adherence to long-term use of medications (Reidel et al., 2008; Armstrong et al., 2009; Boland et al., 2014), self-monitoring of chronic conditions (Logan et al., 2007) and in terms of attendance at appointments (Gurol-Uranci et al., 2013). Specifically tailored approaches have proven particularly effective (Stacy et al., 2009). There is, however, no reported usage of these approaches within orthodontics. Moreover, electronic reminders to improve compliance with removable retention regimes among orthodontic patients have not been explored.
  The primary aims of this study is to analyse the effect of electronic reminders on compliance with orthodontic retention at 3, 6 and 12 months following removal of fixed appliances. The secondary aims are to assess the subjective levels of retainers wear, and to measure upper/lower anterior irregularity and transverse dimensions. We also aim to explore patients' experience with electronic reminders in a related qualitative element.

  This study will be a mixed methods study. Part 1 will be a randomised controlled trial conducted at Barts and The London Dental Hospital. Subjects who fulfil the selection criteria will be invited to participate and informed consent will be obtained. All subjects who have agreed to participate will then be randomly allocated to have either receive electronic reminders. The control group will not receive reminders. Part 2 of the study will explore patients' experience of electronic reminders exploring suggestions for alternation and improvements using one-to-one interviews.

  Summary of Results
  Removable clear retainers are used after orthodontics to keep the teeth straight. We know that compliance with wearing of retainers is often poor. We developed a mobile app in an attempt to improve how patients wear their retainers after orthodontic treatment. The mobile application did not lead to improved retainer wear. No further benefit either in relation to gum health or the alignment of the teeth was found in those who had access to the application

• REC name

  East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/EE/0189

• Date of REC Opinion

  9 May 2016

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion