Using video coping strategies to manage pain and distress after cancer surgery

Quality Improvement Project to Address Post Operative Distress and Pain for Patients Undergoing Surgery for Intra-Abdominal Malignancies

NA · University of Utah · NCT06858202

This study is testing whether video coping strategies, like mindfulness exercises or support from social workers, can help people manage pain and stress after surgery for intra-abdominal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Utah (other)
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT06858202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different video-based coping strategies in helping patients manage pain and psychological distress following surgery for intra-abdominal cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to either mindfulness-based interventions, such as guided meditation and expressive writing, or non-mindfulness interventions, including support from social workers and health education. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions and compare their differential effects on post-operative recovery. Participants will complete questionnaires before surgery to gauge their experiences and outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 or older who are undergoing surgical treatment for intra-abdominal malignancies at the University of Utah Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with altered mental status or those who are non-English speaking may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective coping strategies that significantly improve pain management and reduce psychological distress for patients recovering from cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mindfulness and psychosocial interventions for pain management, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English-speaking males or females 18 or older within the University of Utah Hospital system being treated for an intrabdominal malignancy.
* Patients undergoing surgical treatment of cancer within the abdominal cavity.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Altered mental status due to delirium or pharmacological sedation as determined by a clinical assessment conducted by a study staff.
* Non-English speaking.

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Psychological Distress, Intra-abdominal Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.