Using telemedicine and digital tools to reduce opioid use after knee and hip surgery

Telemedicine-delivered digital cognitive behavioral intervention to decrease post-operative opioid use among patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11137747

This project explores how a digital program delivered through telemedicine can help people use fewer opioids after knee or hip replacement surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11137747 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

After knee or hip replacement surgery, many people need pain medication, but there's a risk of using opioids for too long. This project offers a digital program, similar to therapy, that you can access on your smartphone. It also includes support from a coach through telemedicine. The goal is to help you manage pain and anxiety without relying heavily on opioids after your operation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients preparing for or recovering from total knee or hip replacement surgery who are concerned about opioid use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not undergo total knee or hip replacement surgery or who are not concerned about opioid use may not find direct benefit from this specific program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a safe and convenient way for patients to manage pain and reduce their need for opioids after surgery, potentially lowering the risk of opioid dependence.

How similar studies have performed: Digital cognitive behavioral interventions, especially when combined with telemedicine coaching, have shown promise in reducing pain and opioid use in other patient groups.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.