NCT07454824 · Johns Hopkins University
e-ALIGN: A Patient Portal-based Intervention to Align Medications With What Matters Most
(e-ALIGN)
What this study is about
The overarching goal of this study is to pilot an intervention in which older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia and the older adult's care partners are identified in primary care and provided with educational materials through the patient portal to engage the participant in deprescribing.
View original scientific description
The overarching goal of this study is to pilot an intervention in which older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia and the older adult's care partners are identified in primary care and provided with educational materials through the patient portal to engage the participant in deprescribing. The multicomponent intervention, e-Align, includes delivery of educational information through the patient portal, and a pharmacist-led intervention to align medications with patient and care partner goals and reduce use of central nervous system (CNS) potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM). This work will establish the preliminary data, methods, and partnerships to undertake a multisite embedded pragmatic clinical trial. The resulting triadic-based behavioral intervention will promote patient and care partner engagement, and foster care that aligns with patients' values, and promote improved health and well-being outcomes for people with cognitive impairment and the patient's care partners through deprescribing.
Interventions
OTHER
e-ALIGN Patient-Portal Deprescribing
The intervention will consist of educational materials about deprescribing, which will be sent to the patient prior to the scheduled primary care visit.
Primary outcome measures
Number of patients who open the patient portal message
Time frame: 1 month after sending message
The investigators will assess the number of patients and/or care partners who read the patient portal message sent by the study team, which invites the participant to meet with a clinical pharmacist for deprescribing.
Number of patients who watch the video
Time frame: 1 month after sending message
The investigators will assess the number of patients who click and watch the educational video about CNS-PIM and deprescribing.
Acceptability of educational video assessed by survey
Time frame: 1 month after sending message
The investigators will assess the acceptability of the educational video by administering a survey to participants. The survey will ask participants to rate various features of the video on a 5-point Likert scale, where a higher score indicates greater acceptability.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients: Age ≥65, with a diagnosis of MCI or dementia based on ICD-10 codes and ≥1 active CNS-PIM, who are active patient portal users. Care partners:
- Family or other companions \>21 years who regularly help the patient with managing medications.
Exclusion criteria
- As the trial will be based in primary care, individuals residing in long term care facilities or enrolled in hospice will be excluded.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations