Testing the Effects of an Algorithm for Neuropathic Pain on Patient and System Outcomes

January 30, 2012 updated by: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

The overall purpose of this project is to improve nurse skills regarding neuropathic pain (NP) assessment, treatment and referral practices through implementation of an evidence-based algorithm and to improve selected patient outcomes as a result of algorithm use.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Pain

Detailed Description

Neuropathic pain (NP) is defined as pain that arises from injury, disease or dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. For the patient focused phase of the project NP treatment will be guided via the Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Algorithm. Patients will receive algorithm-specific treatment for 12 weeks.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

United States
- New Hampshire
  - Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States, 03756
    - Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 90 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Cancer patients experiencing NP from a variety of causes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Cancer patients experiencing NP from a variety of causes
NP Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score equal to or > 4 with 12 week estimated duration
Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) 60% or greater
Age greater than 18

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients undergoing anticancer or invasive pain procedures specifically intended to palliate NP are ineligible

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
To implement an evidence based screening, assessment, treatment, and referral guideline for hematology/oncology patients with NP receiving care Time Frame: outcome measures will consist of the NPVAS, and a PPCPS adapted rom the original project. Adequate satisfaction will be defined as 25% or mor of all patients reporting being very or completely satisfied as measured by PPCPS	outcome measures will consist of the NPVAS, and a PPCPS adapted rom the original project. Adequate satisfaction will be defined as 25% or mor of all patients reporting being very or completely satisfied as measured by PPCPS

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Investigators

Principal Investigator: Ellen Lavoie-Smith, ARNP, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

August 1, 2005

Primary Completion (Actual)

September 1, 2010

Study Completion (Actual)

December 1, 2011

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 12, 2005

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria