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Published in: Trials 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Musculoskeletal Pain | Study protocol

Brief educational video plus telecare to enhance recovery for older emergency department patients with acute musculoskeletal pain: study protocol for the BETTER randomized controlled trial

Authors: Timothy F. Platts-Mills, Samuel A. McLean, Morris Weinberger, Sally C. Stearns, Montika Bush, Brittni B. Teresi, Karen Hurka-Richardson, Kurt Kroenke, Robert D. Kerns, Mark A. Weaver, Francis J. Keefe

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSP) affects more than 40% of adults aged 50 years and older and is the leading cause of disability in the USA. Older adults with chronic MSP are at risk for analgesic-related side effects, long-term opioid use, and functional decline. Recognizing the burden of chronic MSP, reducing the transition from acute to chronic pain is a public health priority. In this paper, we report the protocol for the Brief EducaTional Tool to Enhance Recovery (BETTER) trial. This trial compares two versions of an intervention to usual care for preventing the transition from acute to chronic MSP among older adults in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Three hundred sixty patients from the ED will be randomized to one of three arms: full intervention (an interactive educational video about pain medications and recovery-promoting behaviors, a telecare phone call from a nurse 48 to 72 h after discharge from the ED, and an electronic communication containing clinical information to the patient’s primary care provider); video-only intervention (the interactive educational video but no telecare or primary care provider communication); or usual care. Data collection will occur at baseline and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after study enrollment. The primary outcome is a composite measure of pain severity and interference. Secondary outcomes include physical function, overall health, opioid use, healthcare utilization, and an assessment of the economic value of the intervention.

Discussion

This trial is the first patient-facing ED-based intervention aimed at helping older adults to better manage their MSP and reduce their risk of developing chronic pain. If effective, future studies will examine the effectiveness of implementation strategies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04118595. Registered on 8 October 2019.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Brief educational video plus telecare to enhance recovery for older emergency department patients with acute musculoskeletal pain: study protocol for the BETTER randomized controlled trial
Authors
Timothy F. Platts-Mills
Samuel A. McLean
Morris Weinberger
Sally C. Stearns
Montika Bush
Brittni B. Teresi
Karen Hurka-Richardson
Kurt Kroenke
Robert D. Kerns
Mark A. Weaver
Francis J. Keefe
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04552-3

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