Messaging Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease

(ADHERE-ASCVD Trial)

This trial explores the best ways to encourage individuals with heart disease or diabetes to refill and adhere to their statin medications, which lower cholesterol. Researchers aim to determine if different communication methods, such as text messages, emails, or patient portal messages, can increase prescription refill rates compared to no additional messages. Participants may initially receive a text message reminder and, if they do not refill their prescription, a follow-up through another method like email. The trial is ideal for those with heart disease or diabetes who have not refilled their statin prescriptions in the past three months and have an active patient portal account. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance medication adherence strategies for many patients.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on improving statin refill and adherence, so it's likely you will continue your current medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Past studies have shown that sending text messages (SMS) helps people remember to take medications for conditions like high cholesterol. For instance, reminder texts improved adherence to cholesterol-lowering drugs, resulting in better health outcomes. Only a few individuals reported issues with receiving these messages, while many found them useful.

Research suggests that secure portal messaging through online health portals aids in following medication schedules. This technology often reduces medication errors and enhances safety by facilitating clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.

The research on non-secure email is less definitive. Some studies have examined email reminders for medication adherence, but results are not consistently strong. The effectiveness of emails as reminders can depend on their content and delivery.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to improve adherence to dyslipidemia therapy, a crucial aspect of cardiovascular disease management. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on patients remembering to refill their prescriptions, this trial tests the effectiveness of different messaging strategies, such as SMS, secure portal messages, and emails, to encourage timely statin refills. By examining which combination of reminders works best, the study aims to find out how to enhance patient compliance, potentially leading to better health outcomes. This approach could offer a simple yet impactful way to improve cardiovascular care by ensuring patients stick to their prescribed treatments.

This trial will evaluate different messaging strategies to improve adherence to dyslipidemia therapy. Research has shown that text messages can help people remember to take their medication. In one study, text reminders increased the number of people taking their medication from 0% to 90%. Participants in this trial may receive SMS reminders as part of their treatment arm.

For secure online messages, studies have found that patients using online portals to refill prescriptions tend to take their medication more regularly. This method greatly improved prescription refill rates and effectively managed cholesterol levels. Some participants in this trial will receive secure portal messages as part of their treatment arm.