Trial Information

Evaluation of Adherence to Topical Agents: Applying Communication Technology to Improve Sunscreen Use

We propose to use communication technology to develop a novel means of monitoring and
improving adherence to topical agents. We will conduct a randomized, single-blinded,
controlled trial to assess the impact of automated reminder system on adherence rates to
sunscreens. This study will involve designing an electronic monitoring device specifically
for topical agents and creating a platform for an automated reminder system. The electronic
monitoring devices will be adaptable to tubes of varying shapes and sizes, and they will
send SMS messages to a central server in real-time each time the tube is opened. We will
create a text-message reminder system to send reminders to users' cellular phones over a
secured network. Our hypothesis is that the electronic monitoring and reminder system will
increase patients' adherence to topical agents. We will measure the impact of the
intervention on adherence rates and assess patients' views on the reminder system. This
project will allow us to engineer a novel device to electronically monitor adherence to
topical agents and to use communication technology to change patients' behavior.