Improving chronic pain management for Veterans

HSR&D Research Career Scientist Award

NIH-funded research Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-10898654

This study is all about helping Veterans manage their chronic pain better by improving communication and support, especially for Black Veterans, so they can make informed choices about their care and feel more engaged in their treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898654 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance chronic pain management for Veterans by focusing on health communication, patient engagement, and relationship-centered care. The principal investigator has transitioned from observational studies to interventional approaches, developing programs that support Veterans in managing their pain. Key interventions include peer-supported self-management programs and coaching for Black Veterans to address disparities in pain treatment. The research also emphasizes shared decision-making to help patients adhere to effective nonpharmacologic pain treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing chronic pain, particularly those from racial minority groups who may face disparities in pain management.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or are not Veterans may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and better health outcomes for Veterans suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in improving pain management through similar patient-centered approaches, indicating a promising avenue for this work.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.