Researchers based at the Kolling Institute have launched a clinical trial using digital health technology to help those with chronic pain reduce their use of opioids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chief investigator and leading pain specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital Professor Paul Glare said many people with chronic pain are using opioid medications long-term, but research shows that in many cases, these medications are doing more harm than good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe know that reducing the use of opioids not only minimises harm, but also leads to improvements in pain and quality of life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Glare said many people who have been on long term opioids for pain find reducing their dose a daunting prospect, and unfortunately, many of them don\u2019t have much social support either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the clinical trial, participants will watch a video about pain and opioids and receive text messages, while their opioid medication dose is reduced under the supervision of the prescribing doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThe aim of this study is to see if we can provide more support via their mobile phone to make tapering easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe clinical trial follows a pilot study which showed that patients\u2019 confidence to reduce their reliance on opioids improved when they received text messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt also found their pain reduced, and their mood and functioning was better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are now enrolling participants in a randomised control trial to test if the intervention leads to a greater reduction of their opioid dose.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
You can join the study from anywhere in Australia where you have access to a phone network and the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n