Helping older adults manage chronic pain through community health workers
An Efficacy Trial of Community Health Worker-Delivered Chronic Pain Self-Management Support for Vulnerable Older Adults
This study is looking at how community health workers can help older African Americans in Detroit manage their chronic pain by teaching them helpful strategies, making it easier for them to find the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10912591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how community health workers can assist vulnerable older adults, particularly African Americans, in managing chronic pain. The approach focuses on teaching cognitive-behavioral strategies tailored to the unique needs of these individuals, especially in underserved urban areas like Detroit. By utilizing community health workers who understand the local context and barriers, the project aims to improve access to effective pain management resources. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this model in enhancing pain-related functioning among participants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly African Americans, living in disadvantaged urban communities who experience chronic pain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or those who are not part of the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with effective tools to manage chronic pain, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community health worker-led interventions can be effective in improving health outcomes in underserved populations, suggesting a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Janevic, Mary Rose — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Janevic, Mary Rose
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.