Evaluating the role of Life Care Specialists for patients with upper extremity trauma
Life Care Specialist (LCS) - Pain Management and Prevention of Substance Misuse in Upper Extremity Trauma
This study is testing whether having Life Care Specialists help patients with upper arm injuries after surgery can improve their recovery and reduce pain, especially when it comes to using opioids.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05422014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized control trial investigates the effectiveness of Life Care Specialists (LCS) in providing care for patients who have experienced upper extremity trauma requiring surgery. The study aims to assess the value of the LCS position in managing pain and recovery, particularly in the context of opioid use and addiction risks. Participants will be monitored for their recovery process and the impact of LCS involvement on their overall outcomes. The trial will include a diverse group of orthopedic trauma patients to gather comprehensive data on the intervention's effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are male and female patients aged 18 and older with isolated upper extremity injuries requiring surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients who are incarcerated, pregnant, or unable to communicate in English at an elementary level may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies and reduced reliance on opioids for patients recovering from upper extremity injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in utilizing specialized care roles to improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients 18 years of age or older * Orthopaedic trauma patients with an isolated upper extremity injury requiring surgery * Informed consent obtained * Working cellphone Exclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in a study that does not permit co-enrollment * Unlikely to comply with the follow-up schedule * Unable to converse, read or write English at elementary school level * Unlikely to complete surveys at home, access to phone * Incarcerated * Pregnant * Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Grady Memorial Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole Zelenski, MD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Nicole Zelenski, MD
- Email: nicole.ann.zelenski@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 255-0226
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.