Program to reduce opioid use in chronic pain patients after surgery

Ontario Transitional Pain and Opioid Safety Program: Improving Pain and Opioid Practices for Complex Chronic Pain Patients Following Surgery

Not applicable Interventional University Health Network, Toronto · NCT03675386

This study is testing a new program to help chronic pain patients use less opioids after surgery by providing pain education and support tools.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03675386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program aims to help chronic pain patients who are prescribed opioids manage their pain more effectively and reduce their reliance on these medications following surgery. The Toronto General Hospital has developed a multidisciplinary Transitional Pain Service Program (TPSP) that includes pain education, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and an e-mobile self-management tool. A multicenter randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the TPSP across six hospital sites in Ontario, targeting 210 patients currently using opioids. The study will also analyze healthcare utilization and gather qualitative insights from participants to inform future pain management policies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are taking 20 to 200 mg of oral morphine equivalents daily and are scheduled for a surgical procedure.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing palliative care, organ transplantation, or those prescribed Methadone/Buprenorphine may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce opioid dependence and improve pain management for patients after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in similar approaches to opioid reduction and pain management, but this specific program is novel in its comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years of age
* Taking 10 -- 400 mg of preoperative oral morphine equivalents daily
* Any type of surgical procedure, with the exception of those with palliative intent or organ transplantation
* Able to read and understand English as posed on the questionnaire surveys prior to informed consent
* Must be taking opioids for at least one month prior to their operation
* Must have a personal email address for the set-up of the Manage My Pain (MMP) App or online multimedia tool

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who are undergoing palliative care or procedures, organ transplantation, or prescribed with Methadone/Buprenorphine will be excluded from the trial

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Chronic PainOpioid UsePostoperative PainOpioid Dependence
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.