Table 2.

Addressing Patient Concerns

Patient concern	EMPOWER study method that addresses the concern
No control over the taper	Patients partner with their clinicians about their taper pace including slowing, pausing or stopping the taper. EMPOWER is designed such that the patient response to their previous dose decrease determines the next step in their taper.
Pain will increase with no relief	- Patients are surveyed weekly so symptoms and discomfort may be addressed promptly. The primary focus on the study is on multidimensional experience/progress vs. opioid doses - EMPOWER clinicians are encouraged to focus on overall patient experience of pain - Communication strategies to reduce nocebo
No ability to reach clinicians	Patient communication is enhanced and automated with CHOIR, immediate responses provide clinical direction.
No voice or recourse	Every survey includes qualitative response fields to capture the patient voice and elements of importance not addressed in our quantitative surveys. Patient satisfaction is directly assessed monthly.
Inability to attend behavioral pain classes to which they are randomized	Behavioral classes may be delivered by telehealth