Using acupuncture in the emergency department to manage pain
Official title: Acupuncture in the Emergency Department for Pain Management: A BraveNet Multi-Center Feasibility Study
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10479980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether acupuncture can help people in the emergency room who are dealing with moderate to severe pain, offering a safer option than opioids for relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $656,373 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT010598-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10479980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are emergency department patients experiencing moderate to severe pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that contraindicate acupuncture or those who do not experience significant pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of acupuncture as a non-pharmacologic option for managing acute pain in emergency department patients. It aims to develop a standardized acupuncture intervention and evaluate its feasibility for participant recruitment and data collection in a larger trial. Patients experiencing moderate to severe pain will receive acupuncture treatment, and their pain levels will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study seeks to provide a safer alternative to opioid medications for pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer an effective and low-risk alternative for pain management in emergency settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Faryar, Kiran Ann — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Faryar, Kiran Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Acupuncture in the Emergency Department for Pain in 5 BraveNet Centers
A multi-center plan will try acupuncture for acute pain in adults visiting emergency departments to see if it provides better relief than usual care.
-
Acupuncture in the Emergency Department to Ease Acute Pain in Two Patient Groups
A multi-center study tests whether acupuncture in the ED can more effectively reduce pain quickly for adults with acute pain than usual care.
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Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
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Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
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Building Indigenous Research Infrastructure for Substance Misuse and Pain Management
A planned two-year effort helps the Lumbee Tribe build a community-led research infrastructure to better understand and address substance misuse and pain in their community.
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Coordinated pain care using technology in community clinics
A large, real-world study will test a coordinated, multi-component pain care plan in community health centers to help people with chronic musculoskeletal pain get non-opioid and holistic treatments.
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.