About the Study

The Mood and Postoperative Pain Study (MAP-Pain) is a large research study of patients undergoing surgery. This trial follows patients throughout their recovery process, using weekly surveys and conversations with study staff to learn more about mood, pain management, and medication use. Funding for this study is provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What will I be asked to do?

If you partner with us for this research study, you may be asked to:

  • Complete a 15-minute online survey before your surgery.
    This baseline packet gives us important information about you, so we can learn what contributes to surgical recovery, and who may benefit most from the intervention.
  • Complete a 5-10 minute survey each week after your surgery.
    This weekly survey helps us to track your progress towards recovery. Participants will complete weekly surveys for the first 6 months after their procedure. After the 6-month period, the follow-up surveys will be sent out monthly. 
  • If eligible, speak to a member of our study team each week after your surgery. 
    If you are eligible to participate in the trial, the study team will contact you after surgery for a 20-minute phone conversation about your recovery. You will speak with the study team weekly for two months following your surgery.

Who Can Participate in MAP-Pain?

You can participate in MAP-Pain if you are:

 

  • Undergoing surgery with one of our participating surgeons.
  • Able and willing to complete online surveys.
  • Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
  • English-speaking patients only
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    Why is this study important?

    Being part of this project will help you learn more about your own health, and risks to your recovery. You will also help physicians develop better ways to treat future patients experiencing the same problems you are experiencing now.  This study may help us learn how to speed the recovery of patients following surgery, optimize pain management, and even prevent chronic pain following surgery.

    How will I benefit?

    Whether you receive intervention or usual care, you will speak to our surgery team throughout your recovery. This may give you the opportunity to learn more about your recovery process.

    We cannot guarantee you will receive any benefit. We do hope that this study will allow us to develop better strategies to help future patients manage pain, mood, and their medication.

    What are the risks?

    The risks associated with the study are very low. For both groups, questionnaires may be inconvenient to complete, and take some extra time. Some of the questions we ask may be about sensitive topics. We make sure to maintain and protect your privacy, keeping all your information confidential as required by law.

    Is there any compensation?

    Partners will earn a $20 gift card for completing an initial, 15-minute survey before their survey. Participants can also earn an additional $20 gift card for participating in the study for three months, and a third $20 gift card for participating in the study for six months of follow up. Total compensation is up to $60.

    How do I learn more?

    Please email the research team at map_pain_study@stanford.edu more information, or call us at 650-649-9737.

    Who is on the research team?

    • Principal Investigator
      Jennifer Hah, MD, MS
    • Co-Investigator
      Sean Mackey, MD, PhD
    • Research Coordinators
      Luke X. Pirrotta
    • Darwin Luna
    • Belle Hettie

    Participant's rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.