Understanding how psychological factors affect pain management in surgery

Impact of Patient Phenotypic Features on the Experience and Effectiveness of Regional Anesthesia and Postoperative Pain

Observational Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT06466941

This study looks at how feelings and worries about pain affect how well regional anesthesia works for people having surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06466941 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the impact of regional anesthesia on pain management in surgical patients with varying psychosocial profiles, including anxiety and concerns about pain. Researchers will assess how these psychological factors influence the effectiveness of regional anesthesia, opioid consumption, and the development of chronic postoperative pain. By utilizing validated psychosocial surveys and semi-structured interviews, the study seeks to identify which patient phenotypes benefit most from regional anesthesia. The findings could enhance pain management strategies and improve patient outcomes in surgical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing surgery and can participate in psychosocial assessments.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive dysfunction that prevents effective communication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized pain management approaches that reduce opioid use and improve recovery outcomes for surgical patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that psychosocial factors significantly influence pain outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18
* English speaking
* Surgical or procedural patient who will be admitted postoperatively
* Willingness to answer psychosocial survey and/or audio recorded semi-structured interview

Exclusion Criteria:

-Cognitive dysfunction that precludes communication

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Acute PainChronic Post Operative PainOpioid Useregional anesthesiaperipheral nerve blockspsychosocial phenotypepain catastrophizing
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.