Actively Recruiting
E-Tailored Pain Management Support for Dementia Family Caregivers
Led by University of Iowa · Updated on 2025-06-29
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Iowa
Lead Sponsor
A
Alzheimer's Association
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the Pain Control Enhancement App (PACE-app), a web-based tool designed to help family caregivers manage pain in people with dementia and chronic pain. The study aims to find out if using the PACE-app is feasible and acceptable for caregivers, and whether it improves their confidence in managing pain, adherence to pain treatments, communication with healthcare providers, well-being, and the pain conditions of their care recipients. This is a randomized controlled trial comparing caregivers using the app to those continuing usual care. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the PACE-app for one month or continue with their usual care practices. Caregivers in the app group will receive personalized pain management strategies, communication tools, and maintain a digital pain diary through the app. Both groups will complete online surveys at the start, after one month, and after two months. Caregivers using the app will also participate in an interview about their experience. Throughout the study, caregivers will attend an introductory meeting and complete surveys remotely or in person. Those using the app will spend about 5 to 10 minutes daily recording pain information and review weekly reports to share with providers. Researchers will measure caregiver self-efficacy in pain management, adherence to treatments, stress, depression, knowledge, and communication with providers. They will also observe effects on the care recipients' pain and urgent care visits. The study will last about two months per participant.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
E-Tailored Pain Management Support for Dementia Family Caregivers: Feasibility of the PACE-app
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be a primary caregiver (family member, relative, or friend) of a person with dementia or cognitive impairment and chronic pain lasting more than 3 months
- Be responsible for managing the care recipient's pain and pain treatments, including interpreting pain communication
- Be aged between 18 and 100 years
- Be able to read and speak English
- Have regular access to an electronic device with internet (tablet, laptop, or computer)
- Be reachable by phone or email to schedule meetings
- Be willing to commit to the full study duration and protocol
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently participating in another research study that could interfere with this intervention
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants attend a meeting to provide consent and complete baseline surveys about pain management and caregiving.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 month
Participants in the intervention group use the PACE-app daily to manage pain, complete a daily pain diary, and access weekly summary reports to share with healthcare providers. Participants in the usual care group continue their regular pain management practices without the app.
Daily digital diary entries and weekly app reports for 4 weeks
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete surveys to assess outcomes after the intervention period. Intervention group participants also participate in an interview about their experience using the PACE-app.
1 visit (in-person or remote) for surveys and interview
Duration - 1 month after post-intervention
Participants complete follow-up surveys to evaluate longer-term outcomes of pain management support.
1 visit (remote) for surveys
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
College of Nursing
Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52246
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nai-Ching Chi, PhD, MS, BSN
G
Gabriel M Vald, MS, BA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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