Date Time
Randomized, Controlled Trial Demonstrates Power of Open-Label Placebos
After spine surgery, patients who were randomized to receive an open-label placebo in addition to pain medications took approximately 30 percent less opioids than those who received medication only
BOSTON Never underestimate the power of a placebo even when a patient knows they are receiving one. That’s one of the lessons that emerged from a recent randomized, controlled trial conducted by investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital that enrolled patients recovering from spine surgery. The pilot study’s participants were randomized to receive either treatment as usual in the form of opioid pain medication, or pain medication plus a placebo. The trial’s design was transparent participants were told they were receiving a placebo in addition to pain medication. Yet, patients in the open-label placebo group consumed approximately 30 percent less opioid pain medication than their counterpar