Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Implementation and Evaluation of a Stepped-Care Mental Health Treatment Program for Patients With Chronic Pain

This study is for people in Canada who have ongoing pain and are also struggling with their mental health or using substances like opioids. Many people with long-term pain face extra challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, like feeling alone or having their medical care delayed. Researchers have adapted standard mental health treatments into online workshops and group sessions to help. They are using a mobile app called Manage My Pain to find people who might benefit. Participants will first try a one-off workshop, and if they still need more support, they might then join a six-week online group. The study wants to see how well this online support works and how many people use it.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2021

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Chronic Pain

What is this study about?

This study focuses on helping people who live with ongoing pain, especially if they are also dealing with mental health problems or difficulties with substance use. This combination is often called 'complex chronic pain' because it can be challenging to manage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created extra difficulties for many people with ongoing pain. Things like being isolated, delays in doctor's appointments, and worrying about getting sick have made existing mental health struggles or issues with substance use even worse. Before the pandemic, doctors and psychologists at Toronto General Hospital had already worked on special treatments that could help people with complex chronic pain. Now, they want to make these treatments available online to reach more people.

The study uses a mobile app called 'Manage My Pain' to help identify patients who might be struggling. Those who are found to be at risk will be offered an online workshop focused on 'Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,' which helps people cope with difficult thoughts and feelings. A month later, if they still need more support, they might be offered a six-week online group session based on 'Dialectical Behaviour Therapy,' which teaches skills for managing emotions and improving relationships. The main aim is to see if these online programs can make a difference to people's mental health and substance use, and how many people find them useful.

Key takeaways

Targets people with long-term pain and mental health/substance use challenges.
Uses online workshops and group sessions for support.
Aims to help with mental health and substance use.
Uses a mobile app to identify and support participants.
Designed to help during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult in Canada between 18 and 80 years old. You should also be able to understand English well enough to take part in the workshops and group sessions.

However, this study is not suitable for everyone. If you have certain serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, or if your understanding is affected by dementia, you wouldn't be able to join. This is because the study aims to ensure that everyone can fully benefit from the support offered.

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 between 18 and 80 years old?
Do you live in Canada and have chronic pain?
Do you feel you are struggling with mental health or substance use?
Can you understand and speak English well enough for online sessions?
Have you been diagnosed with any serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll first be identified through a mobile app you might already use. If you seem to be struggling with mental health or at risk of misusing opioids, you'll be invited to a single online workshop focused on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This workshop will teach you some coping skills. About a month after the workshop, your well-being will be checked again. If you're still experiencing a lot of emotional distress or are at risk of misusing substances, you might then be offered a six-week online group session based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Your progress will be checked again one month after these group sessions finish. All support is delivered online, so you won't need to attend in-person appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you benefits like learning new coping strategies and receiving support for your mental health and substance use via online workshops and group therapy. This might help you manage your chronic pain more effectively. While the study aims to provide support, there's always a small chance that talking about difficult feelings could feel uncomfortable for a short time. You are always free to stop participating in the study at any point, without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

Locations (1)

University Health Network- Toronto General Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is 'complex chronic pain'?

It means you have long-term pain along with mental health problems or issues with substance use, making your situation more complicated.

Is this study only happening in Canada?

Yes, this specific trial is being run by researchers in Canada for Canadian patients.

What kind of online sessions will there be?

There will be a one-off online workshop about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and for some, a six-week online group session about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Do I have to use a special app for this study?

The study uses an app called 'Manage My Pain' to help find people who might benefit, and the sessions are online, so you'll need internet access.

Will I have to take new strong medicines?

No, this study focuses on online workshops and group therapy to help with mental health and coping skills, not on introducing new strong medications.