Improving pain management and safety for veterans using a team approach
Official title: Pain management teams using Whole Health to optimize function and safety in veterans: The TEAMWORK trial
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-10928998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special teams of doctors and experts can help veterans manage chronic pain and reduce their reliance on opioids, so they can feel better and stay safe.
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 | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3HX003997-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing high-impact chronic pain and those who may also be dealing with opioid dependence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or opioid-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and optimizing pain management teams that address chronic pain and opioid dependence among veterans. By utilizing a biopsychosocial approach, the teams will include experts from various fields such as pain medicine, addiction medicine, and behavioral medicine to provide comprehensive care. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these interdisciplinary teams in improving patient outcomes and reducing opioid-related harms. Veterans participating in this research will receive tailored support to manage their pain safely and effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and reduced reliance on opioids for veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with interdisciplinary team approaches in managing chronic pain and opioid dependence, indicating potential for this model.
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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-
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-
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-
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-
Gut microbiome targets to ease sickle cell pain in patients
Researchers are studying how gut microbes affect chronic pain in people with sickle cell disease and how penicillin prophylaxis in babies might change pain pathways.
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.