Web-Based Pain Management Support for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia Using the PACE-App

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.

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