NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving care for rural patients with chronic pain through nurse management

Official title: Adapting and Implementing a Nurse Care Management Model to Care for Rural Patients with Chronic Pain

Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10741606 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to help people in rural areas manage their chronic pain better by training nurses to provide support, therapy, and access to online exercise programs, making it easier for them to get the care they need without relying on medications.

More Chronic Pain research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startAugust 18, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$1,545,591
NIH project number1UG3NR020930-01
Project IDNIH-10741606 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in rural areas who suffer from chronic pain and are seeking non-pharmacologic treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not live in rural areas or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the management of chronic pain for individuals living in rural areas by implementing a nurse care management model. The approach includes training healthcare professionals to coordinate care, provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and facilitate access to a remotely delivered exercise program. By focusing on non-pharmacologic treatments, the project seeks to improve health outcomes for patients who often lack access to effective pain management resources. The program will be piloted in collaboration with two health systems serving rural communities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide rural patients with improved access to effective pain management strategies that enhance their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using nurse care management models for other chronic conditions, indicating potential for similar success in chronic pain management.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Washington
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tong, Sebastian — University of Washington
  • Study coordinator: Tong, Sebastian

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain

    A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.

    NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11621209

  • Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons

    A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11615140

  • Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care

    Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11615139

  • Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

    A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11609318

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

    This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11602241

  • 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.

    NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11599794

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.