A Method to Deliver Automated and Tailored Intervention Content: 24-month Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Digital technologies and software offer new ways to engage research participants.
• Automated software, like REDCap, enables reliable and affordable participant communication.
• REDCap's automated text messaging can deliver tailored interventions, improving accessibility and scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and use of REDCap databases for automated intervention delivery.
• To deliver content and communication to participants and their partners in the Partner2Lose weight management trial.
• To assess the feasibility of using REDCap for automated, dyadic intervention delivery over 24 months.

Main Methods:

• Developed two REDCap databases for weight loss initiation (months 1-6) and maintenance/reminders (months 7-18).
• Programmed tailored text messages for participants and partners (in the partner-assisted arm) to reinforce content and support goals.
• Utilized unidirectional text messages via Twilio for reminders about classes, tracking, and measurement visits throughout the 24-month trial.

Main Results:

• Five cohorts (231 couples) were enrolled in the Partner2Lose trial.
• Over 53,518 automated, tailored text messages were delivered, minimizing staff burden.
• The total cost for text messaging was approximately US $450, with a 0.004% known error rate.

Conclusions:

• Automated delivery of tailored content and communication was successfully implemented using REDCap.
• This approach offers a scalable, reliable, and affordable framework for future behavioral health interventions.
• The method requires minimal trial-specific resources and personnel time, enhancing engagement.