MD2Me - Texting to Promote Chronic Disease Management

The MD2Me study (or also known as TAHLC), sponsored by the National Institutes of Health is a 2-year randomized controlled trial to develop and test a text message and Internet based intervention among adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease. Adolescents and young adults have been a difficult population to engage in healthcare. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adolescents do not get the healthcare they need. Interventions must address how the healthcare system can engage adolescents with chronic disease and provide opportunities to discuss health-related matters and improve disease outcomes.

This study will help fill multiple gaps in the literature by exploring the utility of a push AND pull SMS texting-based application for chronic disease management among youth. Based on social cognitive theory, the intervention will use accessible technology to promote disease management among adolescents with chronic disease as they transition to adult care. The popularity and usage of SMS already demonstrated by adolescents suggests notable promise for the SMS-based TAHLC program to promote chronic disease self-management and healthcare engagement with substantial positive impacts on health among youth with chronic disease.

Inclusion criteria

• ages 14 - 22 years
• have cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease for at least 6 months
• have access to the internet
• speak English
• has a parent that speaks English or Spanish (if primary participant is under 18)
• willingness to attend assessment visits

Exclusion criteria

• pregnant or have children
• have a history of substance abuse or other psychiatric disorder that would impair compliance with study protocol