CompletedNot Applicable

The Mobile PTSD Coach App in Acute Injury Survivors

United States64 participantsStarted 2017-09-19

Plain-language summary

This project is a preliminary randomized controlled trial testing the potential impact of the PTSD Coach mobile application at reducing posttraumatic stress and pain symptoms among acutely injured trauma patients. Immediately following the injury, patients will be randomly assigned to use the PTSD Coach app, or to the treatment as usual condition.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking adults seeking treatment in the ED * Adults between the ages of 18-65 * Sustained a musculoskeletal injury (e.g., fractures, sprains or strains, contusions, dislocations, crushing injuries and open wounds; and other chief complains involving the neck, back, or extremities) * Injury resulting from a motor vehicle crash (MVC) or motorcycle crash (MCC) that occurred within the past 24 hours * Eligible patients must own a mobile phone with short-message service (SMS) features (e.g., the ability to send and respond to text messages) and the ability to download apps * Participants must self-report that they experienced a potential traumatic event reflected by Criterion A of the DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis (endorse actual or perceived life threat and/or serious injury141,142) * Participants must self-report that they experienced a painful injury reflected by a pain score ≥4 using the verbal numerical score (0-10) in response to the question: "On a scale of 0-10, how severe is your pain?" * Patients with a past history of PTSD, but not currently receiving treatment (e.g., benzodiazepines or mental/behavioral therapy), are eligible for participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Presenting to the ED for a non-MVC/MCC (i.e., fall, assault) * Participants who do not own a mobile phone with SMS features * Participants with a pain score \< 4 or do not endorse Criterion A of the DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis * Spinal injuries * Major lacerations resulting in significant …

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-5)

Timeframe: past 30-days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03247179

SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-12-20

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