Improving Knowledge of Medication in Ulcerative Colitis With an Iphone Application

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that requires maintenance medication to
maintain clinical remission. During clinical remission patient can be free of symptoms for
long periods of time. Inflammatory bowel disease patients have been shown to have adherence
rates around 40-60%. Non-adherence in patients in clinical remission is high with rates
around 60%. Non adherence in patients in clinical remission can have significant impact
because it can lead to higher rates of clinical flares and increased health care cost.

This will be a single-blinded randomized controlled trial to evaluate if patients randomized
to an iPphone application vs. control can increase the adherence of their maintenance
medication. The trial will last three months and we hope to enroll 99 patients.

The primary outcome will be adherence measured by the medication possession ratio. The
secondary objective will be to evaluate if a validated adherence questionnaire can predict
adherence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Having an intervention that can increase adherence can provide better care for patients. Also
having a validated survey tool can accurately identify non-adherence in inflammatory bowel
disease patient would be a valuable tool for patient care.

Inclusion Criteria:

- At least 18 -65 years of age.

- Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis established by history and biopsy confirmed by
gastroenterology.

- On a stable dose of mesalamine for at least two months prior to entering the study

- Have an iPhone (personal iPhone)

- Patient may receive steroid or mesalamine enemas during the study only on an as needed
basis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Are on more than one medication for their inflammatory bowel disease