Testing a smartphone app to help teens manage inflammatory bowel disease

Plain-English translation of NCT07195123 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated November 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing an app called SMART-IBD that's designed to help teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) stay on top of their medications and feel more in control of their condition. The app includes reminders to take medications, a place to track daily symptoms, educational information, and fun monthly challenges to keep you engaged. Researchers want to see if using the app helps teens stick to their medication plan and manage their IBD more effectively.

Many teenagers with IBD struggle to take their medications consistently, which can lead to flare-ups and more serious complications. This trial exists to see whether a smartphone app—something teens already use every day—can help make medication management easier and give young people better tools to understand and control their condition.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis)
you are between ages 13 and 17
you have been prescribed at least one daily or weekly medication for your IBD
you are currently taking your IBD medication less than 86% of the time
you have access to a smartphone and internet (either Wi-Fi or a data plan)
you and your parent or guardian are fluent in English

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder
your parent or guardian has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder
you have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia
your parent or guardian has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia

What participation looks like

You would be randomly assigned to either use the SMART-IBD app or keep a daily symptom diary without the app features. The study lasts about 7 months: one month of baseline tracking, then 5 months where you'll either use the full app with reminders and challenges or just complete daily diaries, and finally a final assessment. Both groups will answer questions about their symptoms and medication use at the beginning and end of the study.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio