Ongoing Research Projects

Multi-centred RCT on the comparative effectiveness of opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after outpatient breast surgery (PAIN-Alt Trial)

The PAIN-Alt trial is a CIHR-funded, multi-centred randomized controlled trial (RCT) which spans 7 sites across Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta. This trial aims to determine whether opioid-free analgesia results in non-inferior 7-day pain outcomes, specifically pain intensity and pain interference, compared to opioid analgesia. Additionally, the study will explore the effects of the interventions on adverse drug events, physical and mental health status, satisfaction with pain management, postoperative complications, chronic pain, opioid misuse, persistent opioid use, healthcare utilization, and costs.

Placebo-controlled pilot RCT on opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

This research project is a placebo-control pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at two institutions (MUHC and Jewish General Hospital). This trial aims to investigate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale, placebo-controlled RCT to estimate the extent to which post-discharge analgesia s including opioids impact patient-reported postoperative pain in comparison to opioid-free analgesia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The results from this study will inform the design of a larger trial focused on opioid-sparing strategies for postoperative pain management.

Qualitative study of patients’ experiences with post-discharge pain management after abdominal surgery

This qualitative study aims to explore patients' experiences with post-discharge pain following abdominal surgery, understand their perspectives on post-discharge pain management, and identify barriers and facilitators influencing effective post-discharge pain management. Our results will inform patient-centred postoperative care and indicate venues for future research aimed to optimize post-discharge pain management after abdominal surgery.

Qualitative study of general surgeons' views on post-discharge opioid prescribing

This qualitative study will explore North American general surgeons' (Canada and USA) perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the prescription of opioids at postoperative hospital discharge. Our findings will provide a rich description of general surgeons’ opioid prescribing practices and identify barriers and facilitators of opioid minimization.

Systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions for pain after abdominal surgery

This systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on postoperative outcomes. Specifically, the review aims to estimate the extent to which non-pharmacological interventions impact both pain intensity and opioid consumption after abdominal surgery. Our results will contribute evidence regarding the role of non-pharmacological interventions as a component of multimodal postoperative analgesia, to potentially improve pain control and mitigate opioid-related harms.

Scoping review of the use of mobile applications to support perioperative care and surgical recovery

This scoping review will summarize the extent, range, and nature of research activity on patient-targeted mobile health applications supporting perioperative care. By comprehensively mapping the available knowledge, this project will help guide the evidence-based implementation of mobile health applications in perioperative care, while identifying gaps and opportunities for future research.

Developing a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess recovery after abdominal surgery

This project aims to develop the Recovery After Abdominal Surgery (RAAS) questionnaire, a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to assess recovery after abdominal surgery. The project follows a structured three-phase approach, including (1) the development of a conceptual framework and item generation; (3) psychometric item reduction (Rasch Analysis); and (4) psychometric validation (Classic Test Theory). Future steps include developing computer adaptive testing, alongside user-friendly electronic platforms (mobile app and web portal) for data collection.

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