Using a communication app to improve pain management after surgery
The Implementation of a Post-operative Communication App to Improve Pain Control and Opioid Use
This study tests if a new communication app can help patients manage pain better and reduce the need for opioids after outpatient surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06124079 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the effectiveness of a digital communication tool called OPY, which enhances post-operative patient engagement through the Epic-Care Companion functionality. The app aims to facilitate better communication between patients and their healthcare providers, specifically targeting pain control and reducing opioid misuse after outpatient surgeries. Patients will receive standard care along with access to OPY starting the day they leave the hospital. The study will assess whether this intervention can lead to improved pain management and lower opioid dependency.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults undergoing outpatient surgeries at specific M Health Fairview clinics who have an active opioid prescription.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with chronic opioid use, or those requiring a health proxy will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid misuse and improve pain management for post-operative patients.
How similar studies have performed: While digital communication tools in healthcare are becoming more common, the specific application of OPY in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Surgery at The M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center - Maple Grove (Maple Grove) or M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center - Minneapolis (CSC) ▪ Currently, only outpatient surgeries are performed at CSC and Maple Grove * Active opioid prescription (prescribed between 30 days prior to surgery, until day of surgery) * Patient class (outpatient or same day surgery) * Never previously randomized or exposed to OPY Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 * Chronic opiate use defined as: * Patients aged 18 and older and * 3 or more opioid dispensing events, in the last 12 months with at least 1 of these events in the last 6 months. * Any long acting opioid prescription in the last 6 months * Interpreter needed - YES selected (EPT840) * Patient has a Health Proxy (Legal Guardian) designated in Epic * Patients who have opted out of clinical research * Patients with an active palliative care referral
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Genevieve Melton-Meaux, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Maya Peters
- Email: mayap@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-790-0401
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.