Battlefield Auricular Acupressure (BAApress) Feasibility Study
United States11 participantsStarted 2023-11-14
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this research study is to find out what effects (good and bad) acupressure applied to the outside of the ear (Auricular Acupressure), in addition to the standard of care medication regimen, will have on pain. This study is being done to assess whether acupressure in addition to prescribed pain medication may be of benefit in decreasing pain levels and improving overall wellbeing. This study will also evaluate the feasibility of routinely offering acupressure to patients having pain issues in addition to a psychiatric diagnosis.
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:
* Patients requiring admission to psychiatric emergency room who also have documented chronic or acute pain
* History of chronic or acute pain with or without opioid use disorder
* Expected length of stay at least 2-3 days at the time of recruitment
* Able to read and understand the informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
* Since this is a feasibility pilot, only English-speaking participants will be eligible.
* Cognitive impairment (Intellectual Disability Disorder or Dementia)
* Patients who have a legal guardian
* Participants with a history of skin disease (e.g., psoriasis) involving the ear, adhesive allergy, recent scar tissue on ear, or current abrasions or cuts on ear,
* Use of some types of hearing aids (obstructing the placement of beads)
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
Patient Reported Pain and General Activity Scores (Visual Analogue Scale)
Timeframe: Baseline
2
Patient Reported Pain and General Activity Scores (Visual Analogue Scale)
Timeframe: Day 1
3
Patient Reported Pain and General Activity Scores (Visual Analogue Scale)
Timeframe: Day 2
4
Patient Reported Pain and General Activity Scores (Visual Analogue Scale)