E-tailored pain management support for family caregivers of people with dementia using the PACE-app
Official title: E-Tailored Pain Management Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
Run by University of Iowa · NCT07032350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether the PACE-app, a web-based tool, can help family caregivers of people with dementia better manage their loved ones' chronic pain and improve caregiver confidence, communication, and well-being compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07032350 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are primary family caregivers aged 18 or older who are responsible for managing a person with dementia and chronic pain, can read and speak English, and have regular access to an internet-connected tablet, laptop, or computer.
✕Probably not a fit
Caregivers without regular internet access, non-English speakers, those whose care recipients require urgent specialized in-person pain management, or those enrolled in conflicting research are unlikely to benefit from this web-based program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized pilot trial will enroll 60 family caregivers of people with dementia and chronic pain and randomize them 1:1 to use the PACE-app for one month or to continue usual care. The PACE-app delivers tailored pain management strategies, a digital pain diary, screening for caregiver-specific challenges, and communication tools to support interactions with healthcare providers. Participants complete online surveys at baseline, 1 month (post-intervention), and 2 months (follow-up) to measure feasibility, usability, caregiver self-efficacy, treatment adherence, communication, well-being, and care recipient pain outcomes. The trial also explores mechanisms through which the app may influence caregiver and care recipient results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the PACE-app could make it easier for family caregivers to recognize and manage pain in people with dementia, improving pain control and reducing caregiver burden.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital caregiver support and pain self-management programs have shown promising early results, but tailored web apps specifically for dementia caregiver pain management are still relatively untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be a primary caregiver - (a family member, relative, or friend) of a person with dementia (or cognitive impairment) and chronic pain (lasting \>3 months)' * Be responsible for managing the care recipient's pain and pain treatments (including interpreting verbal or non-verbal pain communication). * Be age 18 - 100. * Be able to read and speak English. * Have regular access to an electronic device (tablet, laptop, or computer) with internet connectivity (for using the app and participating in data collection). * Be accessible by phone or email to schedule meetings. * Be willing to commit to the full study duration and protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently participating in another research study that could interfere with this intervention.
Where it's running
-
College of Nursing
Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nai-Ching Chi, PhD, MS, MSN, BSN — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Nai-Ching Chi, PhD, MS, BSN
- Email: nai-ching-chi@uiowa.edu
- Phone: 319-335-7064
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.