E-tailored pain management support for family caregivers of people with dementia using the PACE-app
E-Tailored Pain Management Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07032350 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Iowa City, Iowa
- 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
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.