Evaluating a Virtual Stepped Care Portal in Youth Awaiting Tertiary Chronic Pain Care: An Implementation-Effectiveness Hybrid Type III Study

Launched by THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN · Jun 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new online program called the Power over Pain Portal, designed to help young people who are dealing with chronic pain while they wait for specialized care. The program uses a "stepped care" approach, meaning that participants will start with basic support and can move to more intensive options based on their needs. The goal is to see if this Portal can effectively improve their pain and mental health during the wait for treatment.

To participate in the study, you need to be a young person aged between 4 and 18 who experiences chronic pain and is currently on the waitlist for a pain clinic in Canada. You should be able to read and speak English or French and have access to the internet, either through your device or a study phone that can be provided. Over four months, you will use the Portal, and the researchers will track how it helps you manage your pain and mental health. This study is important because it aims to make pain care more accessible for youth across Canada, with the results potentially benefiting many young people in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Experience chronic pain
• • Speak and read English or French
• • Have access to internet / smartphone (or are willing to be loaned a study phone with a data plan)
• • Are on the waitlist of a tertiary care CP clinic in Canada
• • Intend to use the PoP Portal for at least 4 months
• • Have the capacity to consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have moderate to severe cognitive impairments that may impact their ability to understand and use the PoP Portal or complete self-reported clinical outcome measures
• • Have untreated major psychiatric illness (e.g., anorexia, psychosis) and/or active suicidality as assessed by the PoP Portal screening. Youth who have co-occurring clinically significant anxiety or depression that is currently being treated will be eligible if they meet other inclusion criteria.