SMART Embedded Intervention for Military Postsurgical Engagement Readiness

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · Sep 9, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SMART Embedded Intervention trial is studying ways to help military veterans prepare for and recover from knee surgery, specifically total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal is to see if mindfulness techniques can help reduce pain and the need for opioid pain medications after surgery. Participants will take part in two different mindfulness programs: a short session before surgery and a more intensive eight-week program afterward for those who may not have benefited from the first session. The trial will also look at how personal characteristics, like stress levels measured by heart rate variability, affect how well these mindfulness strategies work.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be scheduled for a knee surgery at one of the study sites, be a TRICARE beneficiary, and be comfortable enough with English to follow the study procedures. Unfortunately, individuals with certain conditions, like cognitive impairments or recent knee surgeries, cannot participate. Those who join can expect to explore mindfulness practices that may improve their recovery experience and overall knee health. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's a great opportunity for eligible patients to potentially benefit from these innovative approaches to pain management and recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Scheduled to undergo unilateral total TKA at one of the study sites
• • TRICARE beneficiary
• • Facility with the English language that is adequate to complete study procedures.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cognitive impairment preventing completion of study procedures,
• • Formal mindfulness training (e.g., MBSR, MBCT)
• • Severe, active suicidality
• • Contralateral TKA in the past 3 months or planned contralateral TKA during the study
• • Current cancer diagnoses.