Opioid tapering support using a web-based app: Development and protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Patient-centered care
• Opioid use disorder treatment

Background:

• Long-term opioid therapy presents risks and limited efficacy.
• Patient-centered tapering programs are recommended.
• Developing supportive tools for opioid tapering is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot an interactive web-based program called Summit.
• To support patients considering an opioid taper.
• To describe the development and pilot randomized trial protocol for Summit.

Main Methods:

• Intervention mapping was used to develop the Summit program.
• Usability testing and stakeholder engagement refined the multi-component mobile website.
• A 9-month randomized controlled trial will compare Summit to a pain tracking app, with feasibility and acceptability as primary outcomes.

Main Results:

• The Summit program has been developed.
• Usability testing and stakeholder engagement were integral to its refinement.
• Pilot randomized trial results are pending.

Conclusions:

• Summit is an interactive, theory-informed program designed to aid patients in opioid tapering.
• If effective, Summit could augment primary care for patients undergoing opioid tapering.
• The study protocol outlines a pilot randomized trial to evaluate Summit's feasibility and acceptability.