Tailored mobile pain solution for Native American communities
Official title: Tailored Mobile Health Technology to Address Native American Chronic Pain
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11443781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new mobile health program will help Native American adults manage chronic pain using strategies that fit their culture, daily life, and smartphone use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $715,543 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD021599-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Native American adults 21 years and older with chronic pain who have access to a smartphone and live in communities where NA health services are relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without smartphone access or with pain conditions not central to the study may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will create a culturally tailored mHealth pain management program for Native American adults who live with chronic pain. It combines pain psychology techniques with Indigenous knowledge in a smartphone app to help with coping, sleep, and daily routines. The team will test whether the app is feasible to use and acceptable in NA communities, and gather early data on whether it can reduce pain and improve function. If feasible, it could pave the way for broader access to effective, regionally relevant pain care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less pain, better sleep, and improved ability to participate in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pain treatments using psychological approaches show benefit, and tailored NA programs may enhance effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhudy, Jamie Lynn — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rhudy, Jamie Lynn
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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.