Comparing conversational software and standard digital questionnaires for people with chronic pain
Evaluating the Acceptability, Feasibility and Usability of Various Digital Biopsychosocial Conversational Data Collection Software in a Patient Population With Chronic Pain
This project will try conversational software and standard digital questionnaires to see which is easier and more useful for adults living with chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | AugMend Health Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Cambridge, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07336537 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This comparative study assigns adults with chronic pain to use different digital tools—conversational software or standard questionnaires—either at home or in the MIT.nano Immersion Lab. Researchers will measure acceptability, feasibility, and usability, and compare user experience, data completeness, and practical implementation considerations across platforms. Participants will interact with the tools, answer biopsychosocial questions about symptoms and daily life, and provide feedback on clarity, convenience, and any technical issues. The goal is to identify which digital approaches best capture comprehensive patient-reported information to inform clinical workflows.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with chronic pain lasting at least three months who can read English, provide informed consent, and use digital devices are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: People with only acute pain, significant cognitive impairment preventing meaningful interaction, non-English speakers, or those without access to required technology are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could make it easier for patients to report physical, emotional, and social symptoms and help clinicians get more complete biopsychosocial information.
How similar studies have performed: Digital questionnaires and ecological momentary assessment have been used successfully to capture patient-reported outcomes, but conversational data-collection platforms are relatively new and less extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of chronic pain (pain lasting 3 months or longer) * Able to read and understand English * Able to provide informed consent * Willing and able to complete study procedures either at home or at the MIT.nano Immersion Lab * Access to necessary technology for home-based participation (if assigned to home-based group), or ability to travel to the MIT.nano Immersion Lab (if assigned to laboratory-based group) * Cognitively able to interact with digital data collection software and provide feedback Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years of age * Unable to provide informed consent * Non-English speaking * Acute pain only (pain lasting less than 3 months) * Cognitive impairment that would prevent meaningful interaction with data collection software or ability to provide valid feedback * Unable or unwilling to complete study procedures in assigned setting (home or laboratory) * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make participation unsafe or interfere with the participant's ability to complete study procedures
Where this trial is running
Cambridge, Massachusetts
- AugMend Health at MIT.nano Immersion Lab — Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mark Ruchman, MD — AugMend Health
- Study coordinator: Mark Ruchman, MD
- Email: mruchman@augmend.health
- Phone: +1 (203) 598-9557
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.