Digital SPA: a smartphone program co-designed with teens and parents to help manage chronic pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This multi-phase project will co-design a smartphone app (Digital SPA) with patients, parents, and clinicians using focus groups and interviews, then create content and perform usability testing. The app’s content will follow WHO guidance and use evidence-based psychological techniques, primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to teach skills like relaxation, sleep management, goal setting, behavioral activation, and coping with negative thoughts. In Phase 3, 195 adolescents (12–17 years) and one parent each across several Spanish hospitals will try the app while completing questionnaires and outcome measures to test effectiveness and implementation. The study combines qualitative feedback, usage data, and clinical outcomes to refine the intervention and support broader clinical adoption.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents age 12-17 years
* Has had non-oncologic chronic pain for at least 3 months (e.g., abdominal pain, headache or musculoskeletal pain)
* Has Internet access
* One parent is willing to participate (and both give consent for their child to participate)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of a comorbid serious health condition (e.g., cancer)
* Parent or child does not speak or read Spanish
* Active psychosis or suicidal ideation

Where it's running

• Hospital Materno Infantil Torrecardenas
  Almería, Almería, Spain Recruiting
• Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
  Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Recruiting
• Hospital Materno Infantil Virgen de las Nieves
  Granada, Granada, Spain Recruiting
• Hospital infantil del Hospital Universitario La Paz
  Madrid, Madrid, Spain Recruiting
• Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía
  Cartagena, Murcia, Spain Recruiting
• Hospital Materno Infantil del Hospital Regional Universitario
  Málaga, Málaga, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rocio de la Vega, PhD — University of Malaga
• Study coordinator: Rocio de la Vega, PhD
• Email: rocio.delavega@uma.es
• Phone: +34634014362

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.