Pip Care: personalized perioperative app and coach for surgical patients
Official title: Utilization of Digital Health Platform Plus Live Coaching Improves Surgical Patients Outcomes - Phase II
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT06661291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether a HIPAA-compliant app plus a live health coach (Pip) helps adults having planned inpatient abdominal and related surgeries better prepare for and recover from surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 8 sites (New Castle, Pennsylvania and 7 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06661291 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18 years) scheduled for elective inpatient surgery in the eligible specialties within 2–8 weeks of enrollment who can speak English and use a smartphone or tablet daily are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, cannot use a smartphone or tablet, do not speak English, require emergency surgery, or have surgeries outside the included specialties are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The project integrates a digital platform that connects to electronic medical records and pairs each patient with a live health coach who collects a health intake, creates a personalized perioperative plan, and coordinates care. Phase I will test usability of the Pip platform in surgical patients, and Phase II is a randomized controlled trial comparing Pip plus coaching to standard of care. The program focuses on tailored prehabilitation and postoperative engagement across nutrition, fitness, smoking cessation, and other perioperative tasks, delivered 2–8 weeks before elective inpatient surgery. Participants must have daily access to a smartphone or tablet and be able to use it independently or with routine assistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Pip could improve patient engagement, reduce postoperative complications and readmissions, and shorten hospital stays by delivering tailored perioperative plans and coaching.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital prehabilitation and coaching programs have shown promising but mixed results, and an earlier version of Pip piloted pathways for nutrition, fitness, and smoking cessation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult patient ≥18 years old 2. Planned elective, inpatient surgery between 2 to 24 weeks following enrollment in Pip within the following surgical specialties: complex abdominal surgery (general surgery, colorectal surgery, surgical oncology), gynecologic oncology, thoracic surgery, spine surgery, and orthopedic joint surgery 3. Daily access to a smartphone or tablet. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to speak English 2. Unable to use a smartphone or tablet independently or with daily assistance. 3. Currently pregnant (assessed via standard-of-care pre-operative workup)
Where it's running
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UPMC Jameson Hospital
New Castle, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
UPMC East Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
UPMC Horizon
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
UPMC Magee Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
UPMC Presbyterian Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
UPMC St. Margaret
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Show 2 more locations
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UPMC Shadyside Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
UPMC Passavant Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Holder-Murray, MD — University of Pittsburgh, UPMC
- Study coordinator: Alisha Maslanka
- Email: alisha.maslanka@chp.edu
- Phone: 412-623-4147
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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.