SMART-IBD App for IBD

This trial tests a smartphone app called SMART-IBD to determine if it helps teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) adhere to their medication and manage their condition more effectively. The app features daily symptom tracking, educational content, medication reminders, and monthly challenges to enhance engagement. Teenagers aged 13-17 with IBD who frequently miss medication doses, have access to a smartphone and the internet, and speak English may be suitable candidates for this trial. Participants will either use the app or track their symptoms daily for about six months to assess the app's impact. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could improve daily IBD management.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. However, since the study focuses on improving medication adherence, it is likely that you will continue taking your prescribed IBD medications.

In a previous study, patients found the SMART-IBD app helpful and used it frequently, indicating comfort with the app. No negative effects were reported, suggesting its safety for teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in managing symptoms and medication. The app tracks symptoms, provides education, and sends reminders, all of which are generally safe activities.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the SMART-IBD App because it offers a fresh approach for managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by focusing on patient engagement and education. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medication alone, this app combines educational content, medication reminders, and interactive monthly challenges to support adherence and lifestyle management. This innovative method encourages active participation and self-monitoring through daily symptom diaries and monthly engagement tasks, which could empower patients to manage their condition more effectively.

Research shows that smartphone apps like SMART-IBD can assist young people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in taking their medication and managing their condition more effectively. Studies have found that patients consider the app easy to use and helpful. In this trial, participants in the SMART-IBD App arm will use the app, which includes features like daily symptom diaries and medication reminders, crucial for effective IBD management. Regular app usage by some patients suggests it might aid in maintaining their treatment regimen. Overall, early feedback from users is positive, indicating the app could benefit teenagers with IBD.¹²³⁶⁷