Self-administered liquid acetaminophen for pain management

Patient Controlled Self-Administration of Oral Liquid Medication: Acetaminophen Trial

Phase 1 Interventional Yale University · NCT06498713

This study is testing whether patients can safely and effectively give themselves liquid acetaminophen for pain relief after shoulder surgery instead of having a nurse do it.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT06498713 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study explores the feasibility and acceptability of allowing patients to self-administer liquid acetaminophen for pain management after total shoulder surgeries. The study aims to recruit adult patients and assess their willingness to use this method compared to traditional nurse-administered acetaminophen. Key metrics include patient enrollment and adherence rates, as well as the preliminary efficacy of this self-administration approach. Participants will maintain a pain diary and report any issues with medication administration to nursing staff.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients over 18 years old undergoing total shoulder or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot swallow pills or liquids, have chronic pain, or are on certain pain-modulating medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could empower patients to manage their pain more effectively and improve their overall recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies on patient-controlled analgesia have shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Participants

* Adult patients older than 18 years old admitted to SRC for total shoulder and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Nurses

* The nurse who will administer acetaminophen to a study patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants

* Pregnant patient
* Patients that cannot swallow pills or cannot take liquid (for example due to risk of aspiration)
* Emergency surgery
* Chronic pain
* On home opioids, any other pain modulating medications including benzodiazepine, Neurontin, ketamine.
* Past medical or social history of substance abuse disorder, including ethanol misuse disorder, marijuana misuse disorder
* History of any psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, any cognitive dysfunction
* Any patients who cannot provide informed consents on their own (those who would need Legally Authorized Representatives (LARs) or surrogates)
* Liver dysfunction limiting amount of safe oral acetaminophen
* baseline hyperbilirubinemia (ex: chronic liver disease, Gilbert's)
* patients unable to take PO
* Patients with neurologic, neuromuscular, or movement disorders unable to drink from a cup.

Nurses

* any nurse who is not involved in the direct care of a study patient, or who is not comfortable with setting up the PCA pump.

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

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 PainPain, PostoperativePain Management
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.