Patients' Views on Taking Part in N-of-1 Trials for Chronic Pain: An Online Survey

About this study

N-of-1 trials are structured, personalised studies that aim to determine whether a specific treatment is effective for an individual patient. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of chronic pain, where patients often cycle through different treatments using informal trial-and-error methods.

This study aims to explore the perspectives of people living with chronic pain regarding their willingness to participate in an N-of-1 trial and the factors that may influence this decision. The findings will inform the development and design of future N-of-1 trials to ensure they align with the needs and preferences of potential participants.

This study is embedded within a larger research program that explores various stakeholders' perspectives about using N-of-1 trials and single-case designs in the healthcare context. Stakeholder groups include health professionals (e.g. GPs, psychologists, physiotherapists), patients, trialists/methodologists, biostatisticians, journal editors, ethics board members and health research funders. 

Ethical Approval

This study adheres to the Guidelines of the ethical review process of The University of Queensland and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Ethics ID: 2025/HE001307.

Funding 

Participant reimbursement for this study was supported through funding provided by the Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University.