RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Discrimination Harassment of Pain Staff Caused by Patient

This research is looking into a serious issue where staff in pain clinics may face harassment from patients, including sexual or racial harassment. Sometimes, these incidents aren't officially reported. The study uses information from electronic records and staff diaries to understand how often these incidents occur and what might cause them. It also examines what happens after such an incident and how clinic procedures might affect things. The goal is to learn from these experiences, identify ways to improve clinic systems, and make a safer, more respectful environment for both patients and healthcare workers treating long-term pain conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Salem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Nov 2017

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Workplace

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding a difficult problem that some healthcare staff face when working with patients who have long-term (chronic) pain. We know that living with chronic pain can be very challenging, and some patients might also be dealing with other mental health issues, which can sometimes lead to behavioural problems.

Unfortunately, some healthcare staff in pain clinics have experienced harassment, including sexual or racial harassment, from patients. It's often the case that these incidents aren't reported directly by the staff involved. This research aims to shine a light on these situations. It will carefully look at records and diaries kept by clinics to understand how frequently these incidents happen, what might trigger them, and what the consequences are for the staff and the clinic.

By gathering this information, the study hopes to identify patterns and understand how clinic systems might contribute to or help prevent such incidents. The ultimate goal is to learn valuable lessons that can lead to better ways of supporting both patients and staff, ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for everyone in pain clinics.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand harassment of pain clinic staff by patients.
It examines existing records and staff diaries, not new patient interactions.
The focus is on incidents involving adult patients with long-term pain.
The research seeks to identify causes, outcomes, and ways to improve clinic safety.
No direct patient participation is required.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for information related to adult patients who experience long-term pain. It focuses on gathering data about harassment incidents caused by adult patients.

It is not looking at information related to children or teenagers who experience long-term pain. The study is interested in events involving patients between the ages of 20 and 99 years old, and it includes information from people of all genders.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (20-99 years old) who experiences chronic pain?
Were you a patient in a pain clinic?
Does this apply to incidents involving patients aged 20-99?
Does this apply to all genders?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study isn't about patients taking part directly in assessments or treatments. Instead, it involves researchers looking at information already recorded in electronic systems and staff diaries from pain clinics. This means that if you are a patient, you would not be asked to do anything or change your treatment. The study is analysing existing data to understand incidents that have already occurred.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study uses existing, anonymised data (meaning personal identities are removed), there are no direct risks or benefits to individual patients. The information gathered may lead to improvements in how pain clinics operate, potentially creating a safer and more respectful environment for both patients and staff in the future. You have the right for your past health records to be used in research if appropriate ethical approvals have been granted, and you would not be able to withdraw individual past records from this type of analysis once anonymised.

Locations (1)

Salem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic
Verified postcode
Surrey, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of harassment is the study looking at?

The study is investigating incidents of sexual and racial harassment experienced by pain clinic staff, caused by patients.

Will my personal details be shared in this study?

No, this study uses anonymised data, meaning your personal details are removed so you cannot be identified.

Do I need to do anything to be part of this study?

No, patients do not take part directly. The study reviews existing records and diaries.

Who is eligible for this study?

The study focuses on incidents involving adult patients (20-99 years old) with long-term pain, of all genders.

What is the main goal of this research?

The main goal is to understand why harassment incidents happen in pain clinics and how to improve safety and respect for staff and patients.

How to find out more

Olu Bamgbade, MD,FRCPC

salem.painclinic@gmail.com 7786286600 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.