PAUSE-Preventing medication complications during AcUte illness through Symptom Evaluation and sick day guidance
Summary
Diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with high morbidity and costs of care. Effective medications exist to reduce long-term complications, but during acute illness, some of these medications are associated with risks that can lead to preventable emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
These drug-related adverse events are also associated with poor outcomes including extended hospital stays and death. Current guidelines recommend that such medications be temporarily held during an acute illness. Unfortunately, many patients are not aware of these recommendations. It is often pharmacists and physicians who would inform patients to make these changes.
The purpose of the study is to address this clinical gap in patient awareness and knowledge on managing acute illnesses, we plan to co-design a remote, individualized, and comprehensive mobile application for Preventing medication complications during AcUte illness through Symptom Evaluation and sick day guidance (i.e. the PAUSE App).
The PAUSE App will be a timely, contactless, alternative, and innovative means of providing continuity of care to patients with chronic medical conditions.
This project will be guided by a “person-centered approach” where patients will be involved at every step of the process to ensure the resulting electronic health (eHealth) intervention is relevant, usable and accessible to those who need it most.
Eligibility
Eligible ages: 18 to 110
Accepts healthy participants: Yes
Inclusion criteria:
1. 18 years of age or greater and able to provide informed consent
2. taking 2 medications from the following: RAAS-antagonists, diuretics, NSAIDs, SGLT2-inhibitors, AND/OR 1 medication from the following: insulin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides
3. individuals with an internet connection (i.e. able to attend the online focus groups and complete online surveys) and/or a data-enabled mobile device and
4. able to read, write, and speak English
Exclusion criteria:
Participants will be excluded if:
1. they fail to meet the inclusion criteria
2. they have kidney failures, requiring chronic dialysis
3. are pregnant
4. have had an organ transplant and/or
5. they do not manage their own medications and condition
6. previously participated in focus groups (needs assessment)
Participate
Additional information
Contact information
Research Coordinator: Taylor Palechuk (palechuk@ualberta.ca)
Principal investigator:
Matthew James
Clinical trial:
No
REB-ID:
REB20-1989