PAUSE: Sick Day Medication Management Mobile App Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · May 22, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The PAUSE study is looking at a new mobile app designed to help people with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease manage their medications when they get sick. Sometimes, when people are ill with something like the flu or a stomach bug, certain medications can cause serious problems, such as low blood sugar or kidney injury. The PAUSE App aims to provide clear guidance on which medications to stop temporarily and when to restart them. This study will involve about 320 participants from selected pharmacies in Alberta, where half will use the app along with an educational handout, while the other half will receive the usual care.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, speak and understand English, and have access to a smartphone or tablet with internet. They should also be taking specific high-risk medications. Throughout the trial, participants will fill out surveys and questionnaires to share their experiences with the app, and they will receive compensation for their time. This study will help researchers understand how well the app works and how easy it is for patients to use, ultimately aiming to improve medication safety during sick days.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥18 years of age and able to provide informed consent
• • be able to communicate (read, write, and speak) in English
• • have access to a smartphone/tablet with an Internet connection
• • be willing and able to download and use the PC Health app for the duration of the study
• • currently be taking 2 or more medications from the following classes: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonists, diuretics, oral NSAIDs, metformin, or 1 or more medications from the following classes: insulin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, SGLT2 inhibitors.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • fail to meet the inclusion criteria
• • have kidney failure requiring maintenance dialysis
• • have had an organ transplant
• • are pregnant
• • receive qualifying medications in a blister pack or sachet
• • do not primarily manage their own medications and condition (i.e., receive home care, in a rehabilitation or medical respite facility)
• • cannot use the PC Health app independently
• • previously participated in studies that led to the development of the PAUSE App (including the PAUSE study usability testing or needs assessment focus groups)