Integrative Health Coaching in the ED for Back Pain after discharge
Official title: Multicenter Feasibility of Integrative Health Coaching for Back Pain after an Emergency Department Discharge
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11358903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, friendly program that uses personalized health coaching to help adults with acute flare-ups of chronic low back pain after leaving the emergency department, aiming to reduce opioid use and improve self-management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 31, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $624,778 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013474-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with acute exacerbations of chronic low back pain who have been discharged from the ED and are willing to engage in health coaching.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not wish to participate in coaching or who have conditions making coaching impractical may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests whether a biopsychosocial health coaching program, delivered after an emergency department visit, can help adults manage chronic low back pain more effectively. Participants will receive tailored coaching that combines evidence-based lifestyle, behavioral, and conventional strategies to support self-management and reduce the likelihood of returning to the ED or needing opioids. The study focuses on feasibility, patient engagement, and potential impact on pain, function, and healthcare use. If successful, the approach could be integrated into ED discharge protocols to offer nonpharmacologic care at a critical touchpoint.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better pain control and fewer ED visits while relying less on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evidence suggests coaching can aid chronic back pain, but this ED-post-discharge, integrative approach is novel and feasibility-focused.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coronado, Rogelio a — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Coronado, Rogelio a
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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.