Comparison of the Efficacy of an Empowered Relief Single-Session Versus Standard Care for Reducing Postoperative Pain Following Elective Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study looks at how well a new pain management approach, called Empowered Relief (ER), works for people having planned bone or joint surgery. ER is a single, two-hour group class that teaches skills to manage pain. Researchers want to see if people who take this class have less pain and recover better after their surgery compared to those who receive standard care without the class. The study will check in with participants at six weeks and three months after their operation to see how they are doing. This research aims to find a simple, accessible, and affordable way to help people deal with pain after surgery. It focuses on individuals who have experienced ongoing pain before their operation.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into better ways to help people manage pain after planned bone or joint surgery, often called orthopaedic surgery. Many people experience pain before and after such operations, and finding effective ways to cope can make a big difference to their recovery and quality of life.
The researchers are comparing two different approaches. One is the usual care that patients receive after surgery. The other is a new programme called "Empowered Relief" (ER). ER is a special two-hour group class designed to teach people practical skills and techniques to manage their pain. These skills are based on methods that help people understand how their thoughts and feelings can affect their pain experience.
The main goal is to find out if the ER class helps people have less pain and recover more quickly after surgery, especially for those who've had long-lasting pain before their operation. By comparing ER with standard care, the study hopes to discover if this class could be a simple, affordable, and helpful addition to recovery plans for many people in the future.
Key takeaways
- Compares a new pain skills class (Empowered Relief) with standard care.
- Aims to help people manage pain after planned orthopaedic surgery.
- Designed for adults with long-term pain related to their surgery.
- Involves a single, two-hour class if assigned to the new treatment group.
- Follow-up checks are at six weeks and three months after surgery.
- Seeks to find simple, accessible pain management solutions.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old and due to have planned bone or joint surgery. A key part of the study is for people who have been experiencing pain for more than three months, and this pain should relate to the reason you're having surgery. You'd also need to be able to speak and understand French fluently, as the class and study materials are in French-Canadian.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your pain is related to cancer, or if you've already taken part in a similar study or the Empowered Relief class before. People who might have difficulty understanding the materials or fully taking part in the class, perhaps due to memory problems or language barriers (unless you are a fluent French speaker), wouldn't be able to participate. The research team will make sure you understand everything before you decide to take part.
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 18 years old or older?
- Are you having planned bone or joint surgery?
- Have you had pain for more than 3 months related to your surgery?
- Can you speak and understand French fluently?
- Have you NOT taken the Empowered Relief class before?
- Is your pain NOT related to cancer?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would be randomly assigned to either receive the Empowered Relief (ER) class or standard care. This means you wouldn't get to choose which group you are in. If in the ER group, you would attend a single, two-hour group class before your surgery. Both groups would receive regular care from their medical team after surgery.
Researchers would ask you some questions and complete some assessments before your surgery and then again at six weeks and three months after your operation. These assessments would likely involve answering questionnaires about your pain levels, recovery, and how you're feeling. The total duration of your active participation in the study would be around three months after your surgery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CIUSSSE de l'Estrie CHUSVerified postcodeSherbrooke, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'Empowered Relief'?
It's a two-hour group class that teaches you coping skills to manage pain, based on understanding how your thoughts can affect your pain.
Do I get to choose if I receive the Empowered Relief class?
No, participants are randomly assigned to either receive the class or standard care, like drawing from a hat.
How long does the study last for me?
You would be part of the study for about three months after your surgery, with check-ins at six weeks and three months.
Will my regular medical care change if I join the study?
No, you will still receive all your usual medical care from your doctors and nurses, regardless of whether you're in the study or not.
What if my pain is not related to my surgery?
To join this study, your long-term pain should be connected to the reason you are having your orthopaedic surgery.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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