Adaptive in-app messages to support middle-aged and older adults with chronic pain
Evaluating and Optimizing Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in a Digital Mental Health Intervention (Wysa for Chronic Pain) for Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Chronic Pain
This research will test whether tailored, just-in-time messages in the Wysa for Chronic Pain app help middle-aged and older adults who have chronic pain and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT06978166 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study refines and tests customized in-app notifications (Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions, JITAIs) delivered through the Wysa for Chronic Pain mobile app. Eligible participants will download the app and use it for several weeks as they normally would while researchers vary and optimize the timing and content of notifications. Participants complete brief surveys at the start and end of the study about mood, pain, physical function, and sleep, and a subset may join optional recorded interviews about their experience. The app version used in the study is not yet publicly available.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 45 or older who live in the United States, have chronic pain most days for at least three months, have at least moderately severe depression or anxiety symptoms (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 ≥ 10), and can use a mobile device.
Not a fit: People with frequent active suicidal ideation, those without access to a mobile device, non-U.S. residents, or individuals requiring urgent in-person medical or psychiatric care are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could deliver more helpful messages at the right moments to reduce pain-related distress and improve mood and daily function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior digital mental health programs and JITAI approaches have shown promise for improving engagement and mood, but evidence is still emerging specifically for chronic pain in middle-aged and older adults.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 45 years or older * At least moderately severe depression and/or anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score ≥ 10) * Chronic pain (i.e., pain on most days or every day in the past three months) Exclusion Criteria: * Frequent active suicidal ideation * No access to a mobile device * Not living in the United States
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Abby L. Cheng, MD, MPHS — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Adriana Martin
- Email: azmartin@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-530-9023
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.