E-Tailored Pain Management Support for Dementia Family Caregivers: Feasibility of the PACE-app

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · Jun 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new online tool called the PACE-app, designed to help family members who care for someone with dementia manage their loved one’s chronic pain. The app offers personalized pain management tips and a digital diary to track pain levels. Researchers want to see if using the app is easy and helpful for caregivers, and whether it improves how confident they feel in managing pain, sticking to treatment plans, communicating with healthcare providers, and ultimately, if it helps reduce the care recipient’s pain.

Caregivers who are 18 years or older, who provide regular care to someone with dementia and ongoing pain, and who have access to the internet and a device like a tablet or computer may be eligible to join. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one will use the PACE-app for one month, and the other will continue with their usual care. Everyone will complete short online surveys at the start, after one month, and after two months, and those using the app will also share feedback in an interview. All activities can be done from home or in person, making it convenient for busy caregivers. This study is currently recruiting participants who want to help improve pain care for people with dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Be a primary caregiver - (a family member, relative, or friend) of a person with dementia (or cognitive impairment) and chronic pain (lasting \>3 months)'
• • Be responsible for managing the care recipient's pain and pain treatments (including interpreting verbal or non-verbal pain communication).
• • Be age 18 - 100.
• • Be able to read and speak English.
• • Have regular access to an electronic device (tablet, laptop, or computer) with internet connectivity (for using the app and participating in data collection).
• • Be accessible by phone or email to schedule meetings.
• • Be willing to commit to the full study duration and protocol.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently participating in another research study that could interfere with this intervention.