Using telemedicine to provide digital therapy that reduces opioid use after knee and hip surgeries
Official title: Telemedicine-delivered digital cognitive behavioral intervention to decrease post-operative opioid use among patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10952309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how using smartphone apps and online therapy can help patients manage pain and anxiety after knee or hip surgery, with the goal of reducing the need for opioid painkillers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $238,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA061414-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults scheduled for total knee or hip arthroplasty who may experience anxiety or pain management challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing knee or hip surgeries or those who do not have access to telemedicine technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of telemedicine to deliver a digital cognitive behavioral intervention (dCBI) aimed at reducing opioid use in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty. By utilizing smartphone applications and teletherapy, the program seeks to address anxiety and pain management without relying on opioid medications. Patients will receive support from therapy coaches through digital platforms, making it accessible and convenient. The approach is designed to help patients manage their pain and anxiety effectively, potentially leading to lower opioid prescriptions post-surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the reliance on opioids for pain management after surgery, thereby decreasing the risk of opioid use disorder and overdose.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with telemedicine-based cognitive behavioral interventions in other patient populations, indicating promise for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chelly, Jacques E. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chelly, Jacques E.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.