A Tailored, Web-Based Self-Management Program to Treat Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

A Tailored, Web-Based Self-Management Program to Treat Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

This research study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based, self-guided, disease-specific self-management program tailored to individual health status profiles for patients with painful chronic pancreatitis.

This is a single center, prospective, open-label, pilot trial of 30 patients with painful chronic pancreatitis (CP). Participants will be assigned to a 12-week web-based, self-management program known as PainGuide that has been adapted to CP. Participants will receive specific instruction to complete one module a week over the first 4 weeks. Next, participants will receive weekly tailored messaging for the last 8 weeks using symptom scores from baseline assessments and will be asked to complete modules that best address participants symptoms. Participants will complete online surveys at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, and will be interviewed at the end of program to understand participants perceptions on the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physician diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.
• Abdominal pain for ≥ 3 months and of intensity rated at least 4 or higher on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale at least once in the last month.
• Access to an Internet-connected device (e.g. computer or phone).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to speak or read English as the web-based program is currently in English language only.
• Incarcerated individuals.
• Currently receiving chemotherapy.
• Suspected or diagnosed pancreatic cancer.
• Currently receiving psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Serious visual difficulties that would limit completing the web-based program.
• Substantial cognitive impairment or mental illness that would prevent providing informed consent and completion of questionnaires.
• Any other condition, which in the opinion of the investigator would impede compliance or hinder the completion of the study.
• Actively enrolled in another clinical trial for chronic pancreatitis.