Medication Adherence in Kidney Transplant Recipients Using Automated Reminders and Provider Notification

Medication Adherence in Kidney Transplant Recipients Using Automated Reminders and Provider Notification

Novel wireless technology has created inexpensive tools that allow both accurate monitoring of adherence to pills as well as real-time interventions such as automated reminders in the event of a missed dose. In this study, the investigators will use Vitality GlowCaps, an electronic pill bottle. These pill bottles provide an unbiased assessment of pill bottle opening and a valid approach to verifying self-administered pill taking, reflecting not only daily use but also patterns of drug use and timing. At the prescribed times, bottle will electronically transmit whether a subject opened the pill cap to take the immunosuppressant medication via a built-in transmitter to the central server. The investigators will randomize participants to usual care, customized reminders, and customized reminders paired with provider notification in the event of low adherence.

The investigators' aim: To improve immunosuppression (IS) medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients.

The investigators' hypotheses: a) Automated reminders will improve adherence to immunosuppression compared to usual care, and b) Automated reminders, paired with provider notification about patients with poor adherence, will improve adherence to immunosuppression compared to usual care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult (18 years or older) kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipient
• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) kidney transplant recipient (KTR)
• Recruitment within 2 weeks of discharge date
• Living within 120 miles of HUP

Exclusion Criteria:

• Vulnerable populations
• HIV seropositive status
• Poor English communication (which might hinder necessary communication with study coordinators)
• Discharge to care facility that handles patient medications
• Demonstrates inability or unwillingness to manage own medications