Developing And Testing A Pain Management Program For Family Caregivers Of Advanced Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,500.00
Summary
To improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. A secondary aim is to examine the effect of a pain education program (PEP) on patients' actual pain experiences. This study builds on pilot data indicating that a pain education program (PEP) for family carers of cancer patients in a home based palliative service is effective in improving family carers' knowledge of pain management and family carers' attitudes toward managing the patient's pain. The PEP ....To improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. A secondary aim is to examine the effect of a pain education program (PEP) on patients' actual pain experiences. This study builds on pilot data indicating that a pain education program (PEP) for family carers of cancer patients in a home based palliative service is effective in improving family carers' knowledge of pain management and family carers' attitudes toward managing the patient's pain. The PEP will be tested with both patients with progressive or recurrent cancer and their family carers, taking into account three recommendations arising from the pilot study: Both patients and family carers should be included in the education sessions to ensure that they receive the same information because the attitudes and behaviours of those close to the patient can directly influence outcomes; Recruitment should occur at an early stage of the illness rather than the palliative stage so that patients will be well enough to participate in the education sessions and the information provided will be useful for a longer period of time; Education sessions should be short and be delivered in the outpatient oncology settings, which is more cost-effective and typical of the way that the intervention will be delivered in practice, if found to be effective.Read moreRead less
Low back pain is a major global health problem and the leading cause of disability worldwide . This project will trial a new treatment for back pain that is specifically aimed at risk factors for developing ongoing back problems. Previously shown to be successful in patients suffering persistent back problems, this promising new treatment will be trialled in patients soon after they develop lower back pain as a preventative approach.
Targeting Health System Change To Provide Better Care For People With Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Chronic pain causes serious impacts to quality of life but the healthcare system is not well suited to managing the problem. This research addresses 3 barriers to evidence-based care. A new model that integrates clinical care with health coaching will be adapted for different settings. A training program to help clinicians incorporate research into their practice will be designed and evaluated. A pain education program aimed at empowering people in regional areas will be rolled-out and assessed.
Why Do People Develop Chronic Low Back Pain? An Investigation Of Brain Function As A Predictor Of Chronic Low Back Pain.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,631.00
Summary
Chronic low back pain is the most disabling condition worldwide. Two objective measures of brain function, electrical signals of brain activity (electroencephalography), and attentional bias observed with eye tracking technology will be measured in a group of participants with acute back pain. These measurements will provide objective markers of brain function that may be predictive of the transition from acute to chronic low back pain, providing new opportunities for treatment.
An Exploration Of The Mechanisms Underlying A Novel Pain Biology Education Intervention (Explain Pain) In Reducing The Development Of Chronic Low Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$106,057.00
Summary
Chronic low back pain is a massive health problem in Australia. This research will investigate the underlying mechanisms of modulating one’s thoughts and beliefs about their pain via a psychoeducative intervention after an acute episode of low back pain. Exploring the mechanisms of this intervention is a crucial step towards understanding how explaining pain could reduce the development of chronic low back pain from an acute episode of low back pain.
A Randomised Clinical Trial To Test A Pain Education Program For Patients With Cancer And Their Family Carers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
This study seeks to improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes toward pain management. A pain education program will be offered to patients with recurrent or progressive cancer and their primary family carers. The study addresses a palliative care concern that impacts upon a large number of Australians each year. The study has the potential to provide a brief, standardised protocol that could be taught and integrated into usual practice and to reduce health care costs fo ....This study seeks to improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes toward pain management. A pain education program will be offered to patients with recurrent or progressive cancer and their primary family carers. The study addresses a palliative care concern that impacts upon a large number of Australians each year. The study has the potential to provide a brief, standardised protocol that could be taught and integrated into usual practice and to reduce health care costs for advanced cancer patients.Read moreRead less
Pall Care Approaches For Pain Management Education Among Care Assistants Residential Aged Care Hostels: A Feasiblity Stu
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
Pain is a devastating symptom that seriously diminishes quality of life1, yet few care assistants in residential aged care hostels are familiar with the principles of palliative care2. This project seeks to explore the feasibility of palliative approaches as a framework for developing a pain education program for these workers. The study will identify: required levels of knowledge; appropriate educational strategies; barriers to learning; best methods for evaluating programs; and cost implicatio ....Pain is a devastating symptom that seriously diminishes quality of life1, yet few care assistants in residential aged care hostels are familiar with the principles of palliative care2. This project seeks to explore the feasibility of palliative approaches as a framework for developing a pain education program for these workers. The study will identify: required levels of knowledge; appropriate educational strategies; barriers to learning; best methods for evaluating programs; and cost implications of providing pain management education in the hostel settings.Read moreRead less
IMPLORE - Implementing An Opioid Stewardship Intervention To Reduce Opioid Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,352,236.00
Summary
Back pain is the leading cause for opioid use globally. Guidelines actively discourage opioid use for this condition but unfortunately it commonly ends up managed with opioid medicines. Urgent efforts are needed to reduce the burden of harm associated with excessive prescribing of opioids for back pain. This trial will evaluate a clinical care model that is grounded in research, and designed to curb opioid analgesic use and achieve better health outcomes for people with back pain.