Improving pain management and reducing opioid use for veterans
Official title: EVOLVE: Emulated trial of the VOice study for improving pain and reducing Long-term opioid use for VEterans
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11066479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help veterans with chronic pain find better ways to manage their pain without relying on long-term opioid medications, by trying out new care strategies that support both their treatment and their journey to reduce opioid use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003830-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing chronic pain who are currently on long-term opioid therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those not currently using opioids for chronic pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on veterans suffering from chronic pain and aims to improve their pain management while reducing reliance on long-term opioid therapy. It builds on previous findings from the VOICE study, which tested two collaborative care models to enhance pain treatment and support opioid tapering. The study will explore evidence-based strategies to overcome barriers faced by clinicians in optimizing non-pharmacologic pain treatments. By engaging veterans in a structured care approach, the research seeks to provide better outcomes for those struggling with chronic pain and opioid use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective pain management strategies for veterans, reducing their dependence on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies, such as the VOICE study, have shown that collaborative care models can improve pain management, although they did not find significant differences in outcomes between the tested interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edmond, Sara — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Edmond, Sara
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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.