Coaching for Chronic Pain and Depression
(EQUIPD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to help Black patients manage long-term musculoskeletal pain and depression without medication. It involves two groups: one receives coaching sessions (a nonpharmacological pain treatment) to explore new ways to tackle pain, while the other continues with regular care and later receives a brief coaching session. Participants should have experienced pain in areas like the back or knees for over three months and be open to trying new pain treatments. This study is part of a larger effort to explore non-drug options for pain relief. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management strategies without medication.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on encouraging non-drug treatments for pain, but it doesn't mention a requirement to stop existing medications.
What prior data suggests that this coaching intervention is safe for patients with chronic pain and depression?
Research has shown that motivational interviewing, a technique used in coaching for chronic pain and depression, is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found it can help patients manage chronic diseases by improving their involvement and outcomes. No significant negative effects have been reported from this approach.
Decision aids, tools that help people make informed healthcare choices, are also considered safe. They have been used in other health areas, such as HIV prevention, without major safety concerns. Overall, both coaching and decision aids in this context have not shown any notable safety issues in previous studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores using individual coaching sessions alongside a decision aid to help manage chronic pain and depression. Unlike typical treatments that often rely on medications and physical therapies, this approach focuses on empowering patients to make informed decisions and develop personalized coping strategies. This method could offer a more holistic way to address both the physical and emotional aspects of these conditions, potentially leading to improved long-term outcomes for patients.
What evidence suggests that this coaching intervention is effective for chronic pain and depression?
Research has shown that motivational interviewing, a technique used in the Coaching arm of this trial, can help people with chronic pain manage their pain and improve their quality of life. Studies have found that this method encourages people to follow healthcare advice more closely, leading to better outcomes for those with long-term illnesses. Health and wellness coaching, which often incorporates these techniques, has also positively impacted pain-related issues.
Regarding the Decision Aid, another component of the Coaching and Decision Aid arm in this trial, there is less direct evidence of its use specifically for chronic pain and depression. However, decision aids generally help patients make more informed healthcare choices. They explain treatment options clearly and encourage patient involvement in care, which can lead to better adherence to chosen treatments. This might improve outcomes for those dealing with both chronic pain and depression.12678Who Is on the Research Team?
Adam T Hirsh, PhD
Principal Investigator
Indiana University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Black patients with both chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression. Participants will be from an urban safety-net health system and must not have started any nonpharmacological pain treatments (NPTs) before the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Initial assessment of participants' conditions before randomization
Treatment
Participants in the intervention group receive 4 coaching sessions over 12 weeks using Motivational Interviewing principles
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with assessments at 3 and 6 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Coaching
- Decision Aid
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Collaborator