Examining patient harassment of pain clinic staff before and during COVID

Pain Clinic Staff Harassment Caused by Patients Pre/Post COVID Pandemic

Observational Salem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic · NCT05938101

This study looks at how the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to more harassment of pain clinic staff by chronic pain patients compared to before the pandemic.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorSalem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Surrey, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05938101 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study analyzes incidents of harassment directed at pain clinic staff by chronic pain patients, comparing occurrences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods, including prospective electronic and clinic diary data, to evaluate the causative factors and outcomes of these incidents. The study aims to understand how the stress of the pandemic may have exacerbated psychological issues in chronic pain patients, leading to increased harassment. Lessons learned from these incidents will be presented in a sensitive manner to inform future practices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult chronic pain patients who may exhibit behavioral issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are pediatric chronic pain patients will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of patient behavior in pain clinics, enhancing the safety and well-being of healthcare providers.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on patient behavior and provider safety exist, this specific focus on harassment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult chronic pain patients

Exclusion Criteria:

* pediatric chronic pain patients

Where this trial is running

Surrey, British Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Patient ViolenceHarassment by patient
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.