What is the NOTUS Clinical Trial?

NOTUS is a government-funded clinical trial evaluating two digitally delivered interventions designed to support people with chronic back pain. 

The interventions aim to help participants better understand treatment options, reduce pain, and improve physical function. This trial is delivered entirely online and is self-paced.

Recruitment

The research team is currently recruiting participants through general practices. Any changes to the recruitment process will be updated on this webpage.

Participation involves expression of interest, online eligibility screening, an online consent form, a phone call with the research team and questionnaires at 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. 

If you are eligible and choose to participate, you have a 50/50 chance of being allocated to either group, like a coin toss. Group A will receive back pain education reading material via a fact sheet, while Group B will receive back pain reading material and clinical hypnosis via a mobile app.

• All participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at 5 time points: Before treatment, after treatment at 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
• Group A will be asked to read a guideline-based fact sheet about back pain that will take between 5 and 10 minutes.
• Group B will be asked to download an app on their digital device and complete daily reading and listening activities.
• You don’t need to travel anywhere to participate; all activities can be completed online from any location.

Why participate?

This clinical trial aims to understand which intervention is more effective in reducing back pain and improving function after a general practice consultation. Clinical trials may not offer direct benefits, but individuals who decide to participate can help improve treatments for back pain and care for others with the same condition.

If you choose to participate in the NOTUS trial, the information you contribute will be used to guide the future management of people living with chronic low back pain.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Have had low back pain for at least 3 months
• Have access to a stable internet connection to access the factsheet or app features
• Have access to a mobile device with minimal requirements to download apps
• Able to understand English via reading and audio materials