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Stem Cell TransplantBmt4me 2NCT05515497

BMT4me: Post-HSCT Medication Adherence mHealth App

A study testing BMT4me 2.0 app in people with Stem Cell Transplant and Adherence, Medication, run by Micah Skeens at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This is a mixed methods, prospective longitudinal pilot RCT to evaluate the 1) acceptability of a newly developed mHealth app (BMT4me), 2) the feasibility of enrolling and retaining caregivers of children in the acute phase post-HSCT, and 3) the potential efficacy of an mHealth app on adherence to immunosuppressants… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 0 to 21 years
What is being tested?
BMT4me 2.0 app
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
50 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
29 Nov 2022to 2 Jan 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 0 to 21 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Children of caregivers must be a) 0 to 21 years of age; b) receiving immunosuppression for an allogeneic transplant or anti-infective for an autologous transplant; c) discharged prior to Day 100 or completion of immunosuppression taper, and d) residing with the primary caregiver that enrolls on the study.
  • Primary caregivers must be: d) English-speaking; and e) have an iOS or Android capable cellular device.

Who cannot join

  • Adults unable to consent

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Columbus, Ohio, 43205

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: BMT4me: Improving Adherence Through mHealth for Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Patients (BMT4me 2.0)

This is a mixed methods, prospective longitudinal pilot RCT to evaluate the 1) acceptability of a newly developed mHealth app (BMT4me), 2) the feasibility of enrolling and retaining caregivers of children in the acute phase post-HSCT, and 3) the potential efficacy of an mHealth app on adherence to immunosuppressants in post-HSCT children discharged during the acute phase.

Read the detailed description

In the United States, poor adherence accounts for up to 70% of all medication-related hospital admissions, resulting in $100 billion in healthcare costs annually Adherence rates have been reported as low as 0% in pediatric patients. Reasons for non-adherence are multifactorial. The most important determinants of non-adherence are consistently documented as complexity and duration of treatment regimens, as well as forgetfulness. Thus, children undergoing difficult hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) that require medication indefinitely are at high risk for medication non-adherence.

Only 4 published studies exist regarding adherence in pediatric HSCT. None address adherence to immunosuppressant medication, nor are they RCTs. Second, the complexity of most interventions for adherence is counter to the geographic, resource, and time constraints families of chronically ill children face. Adherence interventions based on conventional behavior theory have been cumbersome for families already stressed due to chronic illness. BE design is a significant paradigm shift to a simpler, less onerous approach that can engage those patients and families that would otherwise forego complicated adherence interventions. Although mHealth adherence apps are a widely available, simple, and innovative approach to addressing these problems, a third gap relates to poor usability. For example, a recent review of pediatric adherence apps found that none identified individual barriers to adherence, and nearly all were designed for adults. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate innovative, accessible, and evidence-based approached to adherence among children receiving HSCT to prevent morbidity and mortality from GVHD.

The impact of non-adherence on clinical outcomes is largely unknown in pediatric HSCT. poor adherence is generally associated with adverse outcomes, including complications, hospital admissions, and even death. The societal burden of cancer care and HSCT is substantial and likely to increase based on the growing number of transplants each year. Clinicians and researchers have focused on GVHD prevention to minimize unnecessary treatment-related deaths. Acute GVHD develops in the first 100 days post-transplant. Children that develop acute GVHD have a 30% to 50% chance of survival. Morbidity and mortality due to GVHD can be decreased through prophylactic use of immunosuppressants. Although these medications are costly and produce unpleasant side effects, adherence is critical to decrease complications, reduce readmissions, and ultimately increase quality of life and survival.

Adherence is complex, but ultimately, the final common pathway to adherence is human behavior. In pediatrics, adherence is largely dependent on parents. As the primary caregivers, they are responsible for ensuring children receive the prescribed therapy correctly. In a high-risk HSCT population, caregivers are isolated with their child due to infection risk and must manage challenging treatment regimens at home, often with limited time and support. Complex behavioral interventions, typically employed to address adherence, are difficult to deliver and manage in the context of these daily tasks. Alternatively, behavioral economics (BE) theory suggests that small "nudges" can produce and sustain behavior change. A BE approach is a significant paradigm shift and assumes decision-making can be influenced through low-intensity interventions to lead patients to optimal choices. Improved adherence to medication and exercise programs using BE designed interventions in adults have been positive. Within pediatrics, BE has been successful in reducing childhood obesity, increasing vaccination rates, and improving adherence rates to infant HIV medications.

Being tested
BMT4me 2.0 app
Keywords
Adherence, mHealth, Stem Cell transplant, Immunosuppression, Digital Health, Pediatrics
Medical subject headings
Medication Adherence

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • BMT4me 2.0 appDevice

    The BMT4me app was designed by AWRI RISI developers and has been through multiple phases of stakeholder testing. The app is a virtual assistant for caregivers, allowing for medication record keeping, medication and refill reminders, symptom tracking, and a word and picture journal. All data is secured on the individuals password protected phone.

Study groups in NCT05515497
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
BMT4me 2.0 Intervention GroupExperimentalThe intervention group will be receiving the BMT4me 2.0 app at discharge as the primary intervention.
Receives: Device: BMT4me 2.0 app
BMT4me 2.0 Control GroupNo interventionThe control group will be receiving usual care at discharge. These participants will not be receiving the BMT4me 2.0 app.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Momentary Event Monitoring System (MEMS) Caps

    MEMS Caps collect daily data via a micro-electronic circuit that registers the opening and closing of the threaded pill bottle. Each opening and closing is assumed to reflect an administered and consumed medication dose. This data will be collected either at weekly or monthly from participants at their visits in the BMT clinic as a direct measure of adherence. Electronic monitors contain micro-electronic circuits that date and time-stamp each time the container is opened to remove a dose of medication. Data from the electronic monitors will be downloaded using cloud or computer-based software, at each study visit.53,54 An adherence percentage was calculated by dividing the number of doses taken by the number of doses prescribed for each day. All of the electronic monitors have been independently tested for accuracy.55

    Measured: Baseline to day 100

  2. Medication Adherence Measure (MAM)

    The MAM is semi-structured interview specific to pediatrics, conducted with the parent, to obtain an individual score in each module. The score is represented in percentages of the number of required doses. A total summary score can be calculated across all medications, as well as separately. This allows for quantification of the degree of adherence on a continuum.

    Measured: Baseline to day 100

  3. System Usability Scale

    The SUS is a 10-item questionnaire routinely used to evaluate the functionality and acceptability of mHealth apps. Items are rated on a 5-point scale and scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score indicates better usability. Reliability and validity have been well established. A score of > 68% is considered above average.

    Measured: Exit (Day 100)

  4. Posttransplant Perception Survey

    The posttransplant perception survey is a self-report clinical assessment tool adapted from the kidney transplant population for this trial. The tool contains 7 questions asking participants to report on their views about their child's health and perceptions post-transplant. Questions are rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The first three questions related to worry about child's health and are considered the "Worry" subscale which ranges from 3 to 15, with higher scores indicating more worry. The second four questions relate to the understanding of child's health and are considered the "Understanding" subscale. Scores range from 4 to 20, where higher scores indicate less understanding.

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0) to 100 Days Post Transplant

  5. Barrier Assessment Tool

    The Barrier Assessment Tool (BAT) is a self-report clinical assessment tool. The tool contains 14 commonly endorsed barriers with a checkbox next to each item. Domains include logistical issues (e.g., forgetting, inconvenience), ingestion difficulties (e.g., swallowing, taste), efficacy (e.g., feel I don't need it), financial difficulties, regimen characteristics (e.g., too many medications, side effects), and patient-specific issues (e.g., refusal by child, embarrassment). A sum total of the number of barriers is calculated, as well as concordance between caregiver and patient report. In the feasibility study, the average concordance between caregiver and patient report of each barrier (n=48) was 0.299.53 The total barrier score will be used. A sum total of 0 to 14 could be calculated, with higher scores indicating more barriers.

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0) to 100 Days Post Transplant

  6. Caregiver Satisfaction

    Satisfaction will be assessed via semi-structured interviews and an electronic version of the Caregiver Satisfaction Questionnaire with caregivers. Caregivers will be asked for feedback regarding participation in the intervention, benefit, burden, barriers, suggested modifications, and overall satisfaction. Suggested modifications to the app and advice to the healthcare team will also be solicited. Due to the qualitative nature of the interview, caregiver responses cannot be scored but will be coded for themes. Nine questions are included on the Caregiver Satisfaction Questionnaire and responses are on a 1 to 4 Likert scale. A total sum score ranges from 9 to 36, with higher scores indicating more satisfaction.

    Measured: Exit (Day 100)

  7. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Version 4.0

    Caregivers completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) every three weeks (at week 3, week 6, and week 9). The PedsQL has 4 domains related to physical, emotional, social, and school functioning totaling 23 items. Items are rated on a 3 or 5-point Likert scale. All items (23) are summed to a total PedsQL score. Total scores range from 0 - 100, with higher scores indicating higher quality of life. Versions are based on child age: (a) 5-7, (b) 8-12 and, (c) 13-18 years old.

    Measured: Week 3, Week 6, and Week 9

  8. Medy Remote Patient Management (RPM) Medication Box by Vaica

    Medy RPM collects daily data via an NFC reader. Each opening and closing is assumed to reflect an administered and consumed medication dose. This data will be collected monthly from participants as a direct measure of adherence. Electronic monitors contain micro-electronic circuits that date and time-stamp each time the container is opened to remove a dose of medication. Data from the electronic monitors will be downloaded using cloud or computer-based software, at each study visit. An adherence percentage was calculated by dividing the number of doses taken by the number of doses prescribed for each day. All of the electronic monitors have been independently tested for accuracy.

    Measured: Baseline to day 100

  9. Wisepill

    Wisepill is a pillbox that collects data on medication usage through the internet. The Wisepill model utilized was evriMED1000. This data was collected as a direct measure of adherence. The evriMED1000 pillbox recorded when the lid was opened and closed and uploaded data in real time into a cloud-based server, where data was retrieved after study exit.

    Measured: Baseline to day 100

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Medication Level Variability Index (MLVI)

    Medication Level Variability Index (MLVI) measures the variation of tacrolimus levels in the blood of a patient over time. Higher variability has been associated with increased risk of poor outcomes following solid organ transplant, with limited findings suggesting a similar trend in HCT. MLVI is calculated using the standard deviation of three or more medication levels. The range of scores is not consistent, but MLVI typically falls between 0-10, with higher scores indicating higher variability (and therefore higher risk of complications). There are clinically significant cutoff scores for solid organ transplant populations; an MLVI of 3 or higher is generally considered to be a high risk. Both continuous and dichotomous scores were used in this analysis.

    Measured: Weekly until day 100

  2. Number of Participants With Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD)

    GVHD will be assessed on the international standard acute GVHD grading and staging scale. Provider grading will be per organ system on a 1-4 scale, with an overall score given weekly.

    Measured: Weekly until day 100

  3. Number of Participants With Readmissions

    Readmission rates will be determined by the number of admissions requiring greater than a 24-hour stay within the first 100 days after discharge. Reason for readmission will be recorded and based on the EMR discharge diagnosis. In addition, a sub-analysis of readmissions within the first 30 days after initial discharge post-HSCT will be completed.

    Measured: Weekly until day 100

  4. Caregiver Education Level

    Caregiver reported education level

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0)

  5. Annual Household Income

    Caregiver reported annual household income

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 Aug 2022
  2. Study start29 Nov 2022
  3. Primary completion2 Jan 2026
  4. Study completion2 Jan 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
50 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05515497
Sponsor's protocol ID
STUDY00002478
Other IDs
4R00NR019115-03
Acronym
Bmt4me 2
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
23 Aug 2022
Last updated
27 Oct 2026
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing BMT4me 2.0 app in people with Stem Cell Transplant and Adherence, Medication, run by Micah Skeens at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 27 Oct 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Momentary Event Monitoring System (MEMS) Caps (time frame: Baseline to day 100). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Oct 2026.

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