Virtual care program for youth with chronic pain

Evaluating a Virtual Stepped Care Portal in Youth Awaiting Tertiary Chronic Pain Care: An Implementation-Effectiveness Hybrid Type III Study

This study tests an online program that helps young people manage their chronic pain while they wait for specialized care to see if it improves their pain and mental health.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 93 (estimated)
• Ages: 12 Years to 18 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children (other)
• Locations: 11 sites (Halifax, Nova Scotia and 10 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05894772 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Power over Pain Portal, an online stepped care program designed for youth experiencing chronic pain while they await specialized care. The program tailors interventions based on individual symptoms, allowing participants to adjust their level of care as needed. By providing accessible resources and support, the initiative aims to improve pain management and overall mental health outcomes for youth. Participants will engage with the portal for at least four months, utilizing its features to help manage their chronic pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth experiencing chronic pain who are on the waitlist for tertiary care clinics in Canada and can engage with the online portal.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairments or untreated major psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance access to chronic pain management for youth, potentially improving their quality of life and mental health.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual care approaches for chronic pain management, indicating that this method could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Experience chronic pain
* Speak and read English or French
* Have access to internet / smartphone (or are willing to be loaned a study phone with a data plan)
* Are on the waitlist of a tertiary care CP clinic in Canada
* Intend to use the PoP Portal for at least 4 months
* Have the capacity to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have moderate to severe cognitive impairments that may impact their ability to understand and use the PoP Portal or complete self-reported clinical outcome measures
* Have untreated major psychiatric illness (e.g., anorexia, psychosis) and/or active suicidality as assessed by the PoP Portal screening. Youth who have co-occurring clinically significant anxiety or depression that is currently being treated will be eligible if they meet other inclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia and 10 other locations

• IWK Health Center — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• McMaster Children's Hospital — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
• Children's Hospital London Health Sciences — London, Ontario, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Hospital for Sick Children — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
• CHU Sainte-Justine — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Jim Pattison — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Alberta Children's Hospital — Calgary, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Stollery Children's Hospital — Edmonton, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Montreal Children's Hospital — Montreal, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• BC Children's Hospital — Vancouver, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jennifer N Stinson, RN, PhD

Conditions: Chronic Pain