Promoting TENS for Pain Relief After Urological Surgery
Nudging (Influencing Behavior and Decisions) to Promote the Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Postoperative Pain Relief
This study is testing whether teaching and supporting healthcare providers can help more patients use TENS for pain relief after urological surgery, aiming to improve their comfort and reduce the need for opioids.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Göteborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Gothenburg, VGR and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06696430 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for managing acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing urological surgery. By providing education, support from experienced staff, and behavioral nudging techniques, the study seeks to overcome barriers to TENS adoption among healthcare providers. The effectiveness of these interventions will be evaluated through a quasi-experimental design, measuring changes in TENS usage, patient pain levels, and discharge times. Ultimately, the goal is to integrate TENS into multimodal analgesia to improve patient outcomes and reduce opioid reliance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 18 and older scheduled for urological procedures under anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have chronic pain conditions, or have electronic implants may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better pain management and reduced opioid use for postoperative patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using non-pharmacological methods like TENS for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All staff working in the department where the study will be conducted. * Patients scheduled for urological procedures under anesthesia who are 18 years of age or older. Exclusion Criteria: * Does not give consent. * Ongoing pregnancy. * Unable to speak or understand Swedish. * Presence of electronic implants (e.g., pacemaker, implantable - defibrillator/ICD). * Regular preoperative use of opioids. * Chronic pain condition. * Known substance abuse. * Reduced sensation at the site for TENS application. * Severe untreated psychiatric disorder.
Where this trial is running
Gothenburg, VGR and 4 other locations
- Sahlgrenska university hospital — Gothenburg, Vgr, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Sahlgrenska university hospital — Gothenburg, Vgr, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Sahlgrenska university hospital — Gotborg, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital — Gothenburg, Sweden (Recruiting)
- Sahlgrenska university hospital — Gothenburg, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pether Jildenstal, PhD, Professor
- Email: pether.jildenstal@vgregion.se
- Phone: 0046313421000
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.