Can a phone app help kidney patients keep healthy habits? small study tests feasibility
NCT ID NCT04858295
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested a smartphone-based tool called SMART-HABITS in 47 adults with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure. The tool provided reminders, feedback, and educational resources through text messages or an app, and linked to wearable devices like Fitbits and blood pressure monitors. The main goal was to see if people would actually use the tool and find it acceptable, not to measure health outcomes. The study used a cross-over design to compare preferences for text versus app communication.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
mobile health app and text messaging
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could point toward a practical, low-cost way to help people with chronic kidney disease stick to healthy habits and manage their blood pressure.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (47 people) focused on feasibility, not on proving health benefits. The results may not apply to everyone, and the app may not work for those less comfortable with technology.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States