Telehealth Pain Self-Management for Employed Adults
United States220 participantsStarted 2020-03-02
Plain-language summary
The E-TIPS trial will evaluate an evidence-based, telehealth pain self-management intervention compared to standard care (a waitlist) for chronic pain in adults with physical disabilities who are employed. Participants from anywhere in the US will be randomized to either E-TIPS, a cognitive-behavioral pain self-management intervention delivered by telephone, or a waitlist control. Outcomes, including pain interference, will be assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow up.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* 18 years of age or older
* Self-reported physical disability
* Chronic pain defined as daily pain of ≥ 3 months duration and ≥ 3 average pain intensity in the past week on a 0-10 numerical rating scale
* Experiences pain for more than 45 out of the past 90 days (defined as 50% of the time or greater)
* Reads, speaks, and understands English
* Has access to and is able to communicate over the telephone with our without assistive devices
* Is employed, working 15-20 hours per week or more, on average, or earning in excess of substantial gainful activity (approximately $1200/month)
We will enroll individuals with a range of physical disabilities to maximize the generalizability of the results, because there is no evidence that the type of disability affects responsiveness to the proposed treatment
Exclusion Criteria:
* Under the age of 18
* Cannot read, speak, or understand English
* No self-reported physical disability
* Currently unemployed
* Plans to retire or leave employment within the study period
* Working fewer than 15-20 hours per week, on average, and earning less than approximately $1200 per month
* Cannot communicate or complete assessments over the phone or internet
* Chronic pain defined as daily pain of ≤ 3 months duration and ≤ 3 average pain intensity in the past week on a 0-10 numerical rating scale
* Experiences pain for fewer than 45 out of the past 90 days (defined as 50% of the time or less)
* Currently participating in another pai…
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
1
Change in Pain Interference
Timeframe: Baseline (week 0) and 12 weeks (post-treatment)