A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial of a Auricular Point Acupressure - Self-Management (APA-SM) Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Among Rural Populations.
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Summary
The investigators will test an Auricular Point Acupressure Self-Management (APA-SM) program integrated into rural primary and specialty care and rural communities for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). To maximize self-management of pain, the investigators developed a smartphone app which will allow the participants to learn to self-administer APA. The investigators will have 3 arms (APA-SM self-guided with remote training, APA-SM with in-person training, and Education Control) with 231 participants per arm (total=693 for 3 arms). The investigators will evaluate the clinical effectiveness of our 4-week APA-SM intervention compared to control in primary outcomes (pain intensity, pain interference, activity), secondary outcomes (HEAL Clinical Pain Core common data elements), and analgesic use up to 6 months follow-up.
Description
The investigators integrated ecological momentary assessment into our app to measure real-world outcomes resulting in participants being able to self-monitor their progress, using this as an innovative behavior change strategy based on Bandura's self-efficacy, successfully initiating and maintaining behavior change. The primary endpoint will be immediate post-intervention with secondary endpoints at 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups after the intervention. The investigators will also evaluate implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Our long-term goal is to increase the access an…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Receive any pain management for CMP (neck, back, shoulder, hands, hips, knees, feet) * Have CMP ≥ 4 on a scale of 0-10 that has persisted for at least 3 months or has resulted in pain on at least half the days in the past 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Severe ear skin disorder (Diagnosed with conditions e.g., eczema, lupus with skin involvement) which often require medical intervention and severe allergy to tape * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent * Use of some type of hearing aid where size may obstruct seed placement * Not living in rural area
Interventions
- BehavioralAuricular Point Acupressure (APA) - Self Management (SM)
APA is a noninvasive and needle-free pain management therapy based on the principles of acupuncture. The APA-SM intervention program is aimed to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain leveraging a mobile app containing APA videos and remote vs in-person guidance or coaching to practice APA based on APA study assignment.
- BehavioralEducation Control
Education Control group receive an app but the content will be specific to pain and self-management (no APA content) and they practice pain self-management skills (no APA practice).
Locations (3)
- University of South CarolinaColumbia, South Carolina
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort WorthFort Worth, Texas
- The University of Texas Health science Center at HoustonHouston, Texas