Peer Support for Adolescents and Emerging Adults With Sickle Cell Pain

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Apr 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial called PRESENCE is looking at how effective a digital program called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be for young people aged 16 to 30 who have Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and experience chronic pain. The study will also explore how personalized support from peers—people who understand what they are going through—can help these young adults engage better with the digital therapy and improve their pain management. By using virtual support and tailored CBT programs, the researchers hope to find effective ways to reduce pain, decrease the use of pain medications like opioids, and lower the number of healthcare visits needed by participants.

To take part in this study, individuals must be between 16 and 30 years old, have a diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease, and report experiencing pain frequently. Participants should also have access to a smartphone or tablet with internet. The study is currently recruiting, and those who join can expect to engage in online therapy sessions along with peer support to help manage their pain better. Please note that individuals who cannot read or speak English or have previously had a specific type of stem cell transplant for SCD are not eligible to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Aged 16 to 30 years of age at time of enrollment
• • 2. Sickle Cell Disease diagnosis of any genotype based on referral or documentation
• • 3. Reports chronic pain (≥4 days/week for past 3 months or more) OR A) Being prescribed pain medication to be taken (≥4 days/week for past 3 months or more) OR B) Taking pain medication (≥4 days/week for past 3 months or more) OR C) Receiving non-pharmaceutical pain treatment (≥4 days/week for past 3 months or more)
• • 4. Access to an iOS or Android mobile device with internet access
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Unable to speak or read English
• • 2. Prior hematopoietic stem cell transplant for sickle cell disease