Mobile Health Research Highlight: CABITs, TRICKs and HIVAS, Oh my!

In the last Mobile Health Research Highlight we examined theory-driven mHealth research. This week we highlight three new studies evaluating mHealth interventions, as well as talk about another trend in mHealth research: the widespread use of clever acronyms. While the use of acronyms isn’t a new phenomenon (I work for the military and can hear whole sentences of only acronyms), it seems like every new mHealth intervention has a creative nickname. I’ll break down the latest in mHealth acronyms:

First up is CABIT, which stands for Computer-Assisted Brief Intervention for Tobacco. CABIT is a Web-based, mobile-delivered tobacco cessation intervention that includes response adaptive assessments, videos, referral and report generators, and also provides a feedback report. Results from a pilot study with CABIT showed high patient and provider scores, higher referral rates, and higher rates of acceptance of referral. According to this study, CABIT could help you break your tobacco habit.

Next up is TRICKs, which stands for Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids. TRICKs is an SMS text-based intervention aimed at increasing immunization compliance for caregivers of infants and children. A pilot study with TRICKs showed increased immunization rates and more immunizations given on schedule. According to this study, TRICKs are for kids!

Last is the HIVAS, which stands for the HIV Alert System. HIVAS is an SMS text-based intervention that aims to increase adherence to HIV treatment. Results of a randomized controlled trail evaluating the HIVAS with a sample of HIV/AIDS-infected women in Brazil showed increased rates of treatment compliance and high rates of patient satisfaction with the system. Hooray for HIVAS!

CABIT, TRICKs and HIVAS are three examples of tools created to increase access to health care and treatment compliance, extending the reach of health care beyond the walls of the medical office. When access to health care is increased and patients are empowered, everyone benefits. For this reason, we celebrate the influx of new acronyms and eagerly await results of upcoming research evaluating these tools.

Stay tuned for future posts on the exciting world of mHealth research!