This is a randomized controlled trial to test effectiveness of the SurgeryPal intervention vs. education control to improve acute and chronic pain and health outcomes in youth undergoing major musculoskeletal surgery. Youth will be randomized on an individual level using a factorial design to SurgeryPal or Education during 2 phases of intervention: 1) pre-operative phase (4 week duration delivered over the 4 weeks leading up to surgery), and 2) post-operative phase (4 week duration following surgery). Thus there will be 4 treatment arms. Participants will undergo 4 assessments, independent of their treatment assignment: T1: Baseline (pre-randomization); T2: acute post-surgery outcomes (daily assessment of acute outcomes beginning day 1 through day 14 after hospital discharge from surgery); T3: Post-surgery follow-up (assessment of outcomes at 3-months post-surgery); T4: Final post-surgery follow-up (assessment of outcomes at 6-months post-surgery).
Age range
12 Years – 18 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Post-surgical pain intensity and interference
Timeframe: Up to 3 weeks post-surgery
Chronic pain intensity and interference
Timeframe: 3 months post-surgery