Online Pain Education for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This trial tests two online programs designed to help individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manage chronic pain. The programs are called Empowered Relief and Living Better with Chronic Pain. The researchers aim to determine if these programs can reduce pain and enhance quality of life over eight weeks. Suitable candidates include those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who have experienced chronic pain for at least three months. Participants must be stable on their current treatment and have access to an internet-enabled device for the programs and surveys. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore new methods for managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.

Research has shown that Empowered Relief, a non-drug therapy, is under study to help individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manage pain. Although specific safety information for Empowered Relief is not available, non-drug treatments like this are generally considered safer than medications. They emphasize teaching and self-management techniques, which most people handle well.

The trial is in a "Not Applicable" phase, indicating that the treatment is likely safe enough to test without requiring detailed safety trials first. This phase often applies to studies examining behaviors, procedures, or educational programs rather than new drugs.

Researchers are excited about the trial for "Online Pain Education for Inflammatory Bowel Disease" because it explores innovative methods to manage chronic pain associated with the condition. The "Empowered Relief" program is distinct because it provides a 2-hour live-online session that teaches pain management techniques, supplemented by a binaural audio relaxation app designed to promote calm through brainwave entrainment. This approach contrasts with traditional treatments like medication or in-person therapy by offering a convenient, online format that participants can access from home. Additionally, the "Living Better with Chronic Pain" arm gives participants access to an online educational video, providing a flexible and scalable pain management solution. Researchers are keen to see if these accessible digital methods can effectively reduce pain and improve quality of life for those with inflammatory bowel disease.

Research has shown that self-management programs can help people with chronic pain feel better. The Empowered Relief program, one of the treatments studied in this trial, has shown promise in improving pain-related outcomes. A review of studies found that about 66% of similar programs led to improvements. These programs typically reduce the impact of pain on daily life, enhancing quality of life. Although limited data exists on Empowered Relief specifically for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), similar methods have effectively managed chronic pain. Another treatment arm in this trial, Living Better with Chronic Pain, serves as a comparator to evaluate the effectiveness of the Empowered Relief program.²³⁶⁷⁸