Improving pain management for Asian Americans through tailored education
Official title: Reducing disparities in chronic pain with a tailored psychosocial education intervention for an underrepresented population
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-10870281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Asian Americans who deal with chronic pain by providing them with special education and support to better understand and talk about their pain, so they can get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NR021224-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Asian American adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic pain and may face barriers in accessing effective treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Asian American or who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the disparities in chronic pain experienced by Asian Americans, a group that is often underrepresented in pain management studies. The project will implement a tailored psychosocial education intervention aimed at improving pain recognition and treatment among this population. By understanding cultural attitudes towards pain and healthcare, the intervention seeks to empower participants to better communicate their pain experiences and access appropriate care. The study will involve participants from diverse linguistic backgrounds to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and better health outcomes for Asian Americans suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally tailored interventions for other minority groups, suggesting potential for positive outcomes in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Hee Jun — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Hee Jun
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.