Community health worker-led program to reduce pain interference and loneliness in older adults
Official title: Targeting Loneliness in the Context of Chronic Pain Self-Management: An Intervention for Older Adults Living in Rural Areas
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06671925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether brief educational videos plus up to seven weekly coaching calls from a community health worker can reduce how much pain disrupts daily life and lessen loneliness for people aged 60 and older in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06671925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 or older living in rural communities who report chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least 3 months with average pain ≥4/10 and at least one day in the past month when pain limited activities, who feel lonely at least some of the time, can speak English, and have access to a phone.
✕Probably not a fit
People planning major surgery in the next three months, recently hospitalized, with severe cognitive impairment or other major psychiatric or physical conditions that limit participation, non-English speakers, or those without phone access are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The SCOOP program delivers brief videos teaching pain-management and social-connection strategies alongside up to seven weekly coaching sessions led by a community health worker. Participants complete baseline and 2-month telephone interviews about health, mental health, and functioning. Outcomes include changes in pain interference with daily activities, loneliness, and participant engagement with the program. Researchers will compare people who participate in SCOOP with those who do not to see if the program leads to improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SCOOP could reduce pain-related disruption and loneliness, leading to better daily functioning and quality of life for participants.
How similar studies have gone: Community health worker and behavioral interventions have shown promise for chronic pain and social support in prior work, but the specific SCOOP mix of brief videos plus coached sessions for rural older adults is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 60 years; * Have a mobile or landline phone; * Self-reported chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles or joints for \>= 3 months, \>=4 (0-10 scale) average pain level over last week, \>=1 day/previous 30 when pain made it difficult to do usual activities); * Self-reported loneliness (Feeling lonely "some of the time" or more often); * Able to converse comfortably in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Serious acute illness or hospitalization in the last month; * Planned major surgery in the next three months that would interfere with program participation (e.g., knee or hip replacement); * Severe cognitive impairment or other severe physical or psychiatric disorder judged by study team to pose a significant barrier to participation.
Where it's running
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cary Reid, MD, PhD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Mary R. Janevic, PhD
- Email: mjanevic@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-647-3194
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.