NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Acceptance-based digital program to improve functioning for Veterans with chronic pain

Official title: Assessing the Efficacy of an Acceptance-Based Digital Intervention to Improve Functioning for Veterans with Chronic Pain

Funded at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital · NIH-11222693 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A home-accessible acceptance-focused digital program designed to help Veterans with chronic pain improve daily functioning.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEdith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bedford, United States)
Project startNovember 1, 2023
Project endOctober 31, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01RX004804-03
Project IDNIH-11222693 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Veterans aged 21 and older who have chronic pain and are willing and able to use a smartphone or computer to complete a remote, acceptance-based program are ideal candidates.

Less likely to help

People without chronic pain, those who cannot use digital devices or lack reliable internet access, or those needing immediate medical or surgical pain treatments may not benefit from this program.

What this research studies

This project offers a digitally delivered, acceptance-based pain self-management program built on principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aimed at Veterans living with chronic pain. Participants will use online modules and brief remote assessments to learn skills for managing pain and improving activities and relationships. The program is designed to be completed from home to reduce barriers like travel and scheduling. Study outcomes will track changes in daily functioning and related quality-of-life measures over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could give Veterans an effective, convenient non-drug option to manage chronic pain and improve everyday functioning.

How similar studies have gone: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has decades of evidence for helping people with chronic pain, and digital ACT programs have shown promise, though remote delivery specifically for Veterans is less established.

Where this research is happening

  • Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
    Bedford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Reilly, Erin — Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Reilly, Erin

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  • Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

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  • Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care

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  • Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults

    This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.