RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) for Lumbar Discectomy

This study is comparing a new, shorter way of asking patients about their health and recovery after a type of back surgery called a lumbar discectomy. Currently, doctors often use long surveys with many questions to understand how patients are doing. While these surveys give a lot of information, they can take a long time to fill out, making patients tired and sometimes less accurate in their answers. Researchers are testing a new method called the 'Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation' (SANE). This is just one question asking patients to rate their function from 0 to 100. This study wants to find out if this simple SANE question can give us similar useful information to the longer surveys, making it easier for patients to share their experiences.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Windsor-Essex Compassionate Care Community

Enrolment target

400

Start

10 Nov 2021

Estimated completion

10 Dec 2028

Lumbar Discectomy

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had back surgery, and your doctor wants to know how you're feeling and how well you're recovering. Traditionally, you might be asked to fill out long questionnaires with many questions. While these surveys are designed to gather lots of information about your pain, daily activities, and general well-being, they can take a long time to complete. Sometimes, patients find them tiring, which might affect how carefully they answer.

This study is looking at a new, simpler way to check in with patients after a specific type of back surgery called a lumbar discectomy. This surgery helps with problems like a slipped disc in the lower back. The new method is called the 'Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation' (SANE). Instead of a long survey, it's just one question: patients rate their function related to their treated back on a scale from 0 (very bad) to 100 (excellent).

The main goal of this research is to see if this single, easy question gives us as much useful information as the longer questionnaires. If it does, it could make it much quicker and less tiring for patients to share their progress with their doctors, while still providing valuable insights into their recovery. This could improve how doctors track patient recovery in the future.

Key takeaways

This study compares a new, single-question survey to longer surveys.
It's for people having lumbar discectomy back surgery.
The goal is to find an easier way for patients to report their recovery.
Participation involves answering questionnaires about your health.
There are no extra medical procedures or medications involved.
Your involvement helps improve future patient care and research.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or older who is having a lumbar discectomy. This is a specific type of surgery for your lower back.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. For example, if you've had back surgery on your lower back before, or if you're not well enough to participate safely. We also can't include people who have a severe problem called cauda equina syndrome.

The researchers will also check if you are able to keep up with the study requirements for at least a year after your surgery, as they need to follow your progress for that long.

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 scheduled for a lumbar discectomy surgery?
Have you NOT had previous back surgery on your lower back?
Do you plan to be available for follow-up for at least one year after surgery?
Do you not have a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study primarily involves comparing your answers to a new single-question survey (the SANE) with your answers to standard, longer questionnaires (like the Oswestry Disability Index, Zurich Claudication Scale, and SF-36). You would complete these questionnaires as part of your regular care after your lumbar discectomy. The researchers would then compare your results from the different questionnaires. You wouldn't need to take any new medications or have extra visits beyond what your doctor already planned for your recovery. The study aims to follow your progress for at least one year after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is that you would be contributing to research that could make it easier for patients to share their health progress after back surgery in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you from participating. The risks are very low; it mainly involves spending a little extra time answering questions you would likely be asked anyway as part of your care. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Windsor Regional Hospital - Ouellette
Verified postcode
Windsor, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a lumbar discectomy?

It's a common operation to remove a slipped or 'herniated' disc in your lower back that is pressing on nerves, often causing pain in your back or leg.

What is a 'Patient Reported Outcome Measure' (PROM)?

It's a survey or questionnaire that asks you directly about your health, symptoms, and how you feel, rather than relying on a doctor's assessment.

Why do they want to use just one question?

Long surveys can be tiring. Researchers want to see if a single, simple question can still give enough useful information about your recovery without causing 'survey fatigue'.

Will I have to take any new medicine or have extra tests?

No, this study only involves completing questionnaires. You won't have any additional medicines, tests, or appointments beyond your usual medical care.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study aims to follow your progress for at least one year after your surgery, primarily through your answers to questionnaires.

How to find out more

Mohamed Soliman, MD

moh.ar.sol@kasralainy.edu.eg 17329241637 Official trial record

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