Life Care Specialist (LCS) - Pain Management and Prevention of Substance Misuse in Upper Extremity Trauma
Emory University
Summary
This is a randomized control trial aimed at learning more about LCS position and the value it provides to the patient's who have sustained upper extremity traumas.
Description
Opioids are psychoactive substances (narcotics) primarily used for pain relief by producing euphoric effects. Although regularly prescribed by physicians, opioids are highly addictive. Examples include, but are not limited to, morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. Opioids block feelings of pain and trigger a release of dopamine. Dependence occurs with repeated use, as the parts of the brain naturally responsible for releasing dopamine rely on the drug for proper function. When avoided, patients can quickly experience severe withdrawal symptoms similar to the flu. In the United States, more than 11…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients 18 years of age or older * Orthopaedic trauma patients with an isolated upper extremity injury requiring surgery * Informed consent obtained * Working cellphone Exclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in a study that does not permit co-enrollment * Unlikely to comply with the follow-up schedule * Unable to converse, read or write English at elementary school level * Unlikely to complete surveys at home, access to phone * Incarcerated * Pregnant * Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive
Interventions
- BehavioralLife Care Specialist (LCS)
Life Care Specialist (LCS) will : * Provide patients with individualized risk assessment for opioid misuse. * Act as patient's "Pain Coach." Providing targeted education and behavior-based pain treatment options. * Train and provide CWC evidence based non-pharmaceutical pain management techniques, using the Community Resiliency Model. * Use the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) as the method to identity the risk of substance misuse. * Provide education, support and resources, as well as local, state, and national resources to enhance the whole health aspect of the position. These resources include but are not limited to: written documents that outline the key concepts of the pain management techniques taught by the LCS and a list of hotlines and websites. * LCS, when applicable, will provide education for caretakers on the risk of opioid use and the non -pharmaceutical pain management protocol. * Provide follow up for all patients in intervention group.
Location
- Grady Memorial HospitalAtlanta, Georgia