Empowered Relief for Postoperative Pain
(ER-CHUS -Ortho Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The trial aims to determine if a program called Empowered Relief can reduce pain and improve recovery after elective orthopedic surgery. It tests a single session of pain relief skills against standard care to assess effectiveness at 6 weeks and 3 months post-surgery. Individuals who have experienced pain above a 4 out of 10 for more than three months and speak French might be suitable candidates. Participants will either join the Empowered Relief session or continue with their usual care. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management techniques that could enhance the recovery experience.
What prior data suggests that Empowered Relief is safe for postoperative pain management?
Research has shown that Empowered Relief (ER) is generally safe for patients. Previous studies found this method easy to use. It was even tested with new mothers and proved well-tolerated. In studies on surgery, Empowered Relief significantly reduced pain and the need for painkillers after breast cancer surgery. This suggests it might be both effective and safe for managing post-surgical pain. No major reports of side effects have emerged, making it a promising option for those considering joining this trial.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Empowered Relief (ER) because it offers a fresh take on managing postoperative pain through behavioral intervention rather than medication. Unlike traditional pain management options, like opioids or NSAIDs, which target pain chemically, ER focuses on teaching patients pain relief skills in a single, in-person session with a certified instructor. This approach empowers patients by giving them tools to manage their pain before surgery, potentially reducing reliance on medications and their associated side effects.
What evidence suggests that Empowered Relief is effective for reducing postoperative pain?
Research has shown that the Empowered Relief (ER) treatment, which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce pain after surgery. One study found that ER significantly lowered the need for opioids and reduced pain for up to three months after breast cancer surgery. Another study discovered that ER helped lessen negative thoughts about pain, known as pain catastrophizing. Importantly, ER also improved how people handle pain, increasing their confidence in managing it. Overall, evidence supports that Empowered Relief can help reduce pain after surgery and improve recovery.13678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who have had pain greater than 4/10 for more than three months due to a condition that requires elective orthopedic surgery. Participants must speak French fluently and be able to follow the study's procedures. People with cancer-related pain, cognitive impairments, or previous ER experience are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Surgery Intervention
Empowered Relief session conducted 4 to 8 weeks before surgery
Post-Surgery Follow-up
Participants are monitored for pain intensity, interference, and other outcomes
Long-term Follow-up
Participants are assessed for pain management and recovery outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Empowered Relief (ER)
Trial Overview
The trial is testing a single-session class called Empowered Relief (ER), which lasts two hours and aims to reduce postoperative pain after elective orthopedic surgery. Its effectiveness will be compared with standard care at follow-ups six weeks and three months post-surgery.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Behavioral: Empowered Relief A certified instructor delivers 1 session of pain relief skills intervention (Empowered Relief) to groups of patients who were randomized to this treatment arm.The ER session will be done between 4 to 8 weeks before the surgery. All treatment sessions will be conducted in person, in a meeting room of the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS
Participants randomized to the waitlist control arm will be instructed to continue with their usual medical care.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Université de Sherbrooke
Lead Sponsor
Estrie University Integrated Health and Social Services Center - University Hospital of Sherbrooke
Collaborator
Citations
Upskilling pain relief after surgery: a scoping review of ... - PMC
Empowered relief for surgery (formerly called My Surgical Success) is a self-paced, autonomous and interactive treatment that showed efficacy ...
Comparison of the Efficacy of an Empowered Relief Single- ...
The purpose of this study is to conduct a pragmatic clinical trial comparing the effectiveness and acceptability of two postoperative pain ...
Adopt Empowered Relief at your organization
Two surgical studies showed Empowered Relief significantly reduced opioid use after breast cancer surgery, and significantly reduced pain up to 3 months after ...
A National Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating ...
The primary outcome was pain catastrophizing, with pain intensity, pain interference, depression, anger, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, fatigue, ...
Efficacy of a Single-Session “Empowered Relief” Zoom- ...
The primary outcome was pain catastrophizing 1-month posttreatment, with pain intensity, pain bothersomeness, and sleep disruption as secondary ...
Empowered Relief for Chronic Pain After Cesarean Delivery
What prior data suggests that the Empowered Relief session is safe for postpartum women? Research has shown that Empowered Relief is generally easy to handle.
Complementary Approaches to Postoperative Pain Management
This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the efficacy of nondrug approaches for managing postoperative pain.
Patients' Active Participation in Postoperative Pain ...
53.9% of patients reported that they were informed about the postoperative pain relief method before surgery. One-third (33.5%) of patients ...
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