Developing and Pilot Testing an Opioid Tapering Protocol (NCT04257695) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Developing and Pilot Testing an Opioid Tapering Protocol
United States2 participantsStarted 2021-05-04
Plain-language summary
This study proposes to pilot test an intervention to facilitate opioid pain reliever (OPR) tapering in primary care. The intervention will incorporate a clinician embedded within primary care to follow tapering dose schedules to support providers as well to deliver a psychosocial curriculum to support and engage patients. In a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), the study will examine the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of the manualized, protocol-based tapering intervention ("TapPro") compared to usual care. As there is no standard definition or outcome for tapering, the primary efficacy outcome is a decrease in OPR dose over six months. Separately, the study proposes a clinically meaningful dose reduction (greater than or equal to 30 percent) as a secondary outcome. The central hypotheses' are that a tapering intervention with patient and provider support is feasible in a primary care setting and can result in greater dose reduction when compared to usual care.
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
. age ≥ 18
. chronic prescription opioid use (\>3 monthly prescriptions from the clinic within prior 6 months)
. morphine milligram equivalents (MME) ≥50
. poorly controlled pain (PEG pain score ≥ 5/10)
. providers considering opioid taper but no reductions in opioid dose over the past 6 months.
Exclusion criteria
. Active cancer or other serious progressive illness, by medical review and by self-report
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.