mHealth Tools for Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient-Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self-Management (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | PA 18 386

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 386

This NIH funding opportunity (PA-18-386) supports R01 research projects that develop and evaluate mobile health (mHealth) tools for people living with chronic conditions, with the goal of strengthening patient-provider communication, improving adherence to prescribed treatments, and supporting day-to-day self-management. The program is grounded in the idea that widespread cellular coverage and the growing capabilities of smartphones now make it practical and relatively low-cost to collect health information from patients outside of clinics, transmit it securely to clinicians or specialists, and deliver timely, individualized feedback. In practice, the types of mHealth solutions envisioned can include smartphone apps, text messaging systems, wearable-linked platforms, remote monitoring tools, and other mobile or wireless technologies that help patients and providers stay connected between visits.

A central theme of the announcement is improving communication in ways that are actionable and measurable. Proposed interventions might focus on patient education and coaching, structured goal setting, automated or tailored reminders (for medications, appointments, or self-care tasks), symptom and biomarker tracking, and feedback loops that show patients their progress while also alerting providers when follow-up is needed. The broader intent is to reduce delays in care, help patients follow treatment plans more consistently, and ultimately improve health outcomes by making support more continuous rather than limited to periodic office visits. The opportunity explicitly encourages not only the creation of new mHealth interventions but also rigorous testing of these approaches, and it is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants can propose studies that do or do not include a clinical trial depending on the research aims.

The announcement also highlights a specific interest in research that includes underserved populations. That emphasis reflects the potential for mobile tools to reduce barriers related to geography, limited access to specialty care, transportation, or resource constraints, especially when remote communication can connect patients in rural or remote settings with providers in urban centers. Projects that address disparities in access, digital literacy considerations, culturally appropriate design, affordability, and real-world usability in diverse communities align with the stated priorities.

In terms of eligibility, the opportunity is broad and open to many organization types. Eligible applicants include a range of government entities (state, county, city/township, special districts), educational institutions (public and state-controlled universities, private institutions of higher education, independent school districts), tribal governments and organizations (federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations), nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. The announcement further notes interest and eligibility for institutions and organizations that serve specific communities and regions, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, and even non-U.S. (foreign) entities, as well as U.S. territories or possessions.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant program run by the National Institutes of Health, associated with CFDA numbers 93.286 and 93.361, and it uses the R01 mechanism, which typically supports substantial, multi-year research programs. The opportunity was created on 2017-11-21, and the listed closing date in the provided record is 2021-01-07. The summary information provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would typically look to the full funding announcement and NIH guidance for budget expectations, study section considerations, and any institute- or disease-area-specific priorities that may shape funding decisions.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "mHealth Tools for Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient-Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self-Management (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.286, 93.361.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 18 386

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