Using therapy to prevent chronic pain after surgery
PREventing Pain after Surgery: A feasibility and acceptability study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the prevention of chronic post surgical pain (PREPS)
This study is looking at how a special therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people who are having lumbar spine surgery by teaching them better ways to cope with pain and reducing their need for painkillers, all while aiming to improve their recovery and overall well-being after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11072714 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help prevent chronic post-surgical pain in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. The approach involves a brief presurgical intervention designed to improve patients' coping strategies and reduce reliance on opioid medications. By focusing on psychosocial techniques, the study aims to enhance physical function and quality of life for patients post-surgery. Participants will be assessed for the acceptability and effectiveness of this intervention over a six-month period following their surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for lumbar spine surgery who are at risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing lumbar spine surgery or those with pre-existing chronic pain conditions unrelated to surgery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain and opioid dependency in surgical patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that psychosocial interventions like ACT can be effective in managing chronic pain and reducing opioid use, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meints, Samantha M — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Meints, Samantha M
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 below.