Comparing effectiveness of treatments for chronic pain

Integrating Pragmatic Comparative Effectiveness Research Into a Tertiary Pain Management Center

Phase 4 Interventional Stanford University · NCT04441034

This study is trying to see which treatments for chronic pain work best for different people by tracking their experiences in real-life settings.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment450 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Redwood City, California)
Trial IDNCT04441034 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the generalizability of clinical data for chronic pain treatments by integrating pragmatic comparative effectiveness research into patient care. It addresses the limitations of traditional randomized controlled trials, which often exclude a significant portion of patients with comorbidities. By utilizing an open-source learning health care system called CHOIR, the study will track patients' clinical trajectories and treatment responses across multiple sites. The ultimate goal is to develop personalized treatment options based on real-world effectiveness data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with persistent pain lasting more than three months who are candidates for treatment with anti-convulsants or anti-depressants.

Not a fit: Patients who have contraindications to anti-convulsants or anti-depressants, or those who refuse participation, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with pragmatic approaches in chronic pain management, indicating a promising avenue for this type of research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of 18 years old or above
* Persistent pain for more than 3 months
* Candidate for treatment by anti-convulsants or anti-depressants based on treating pain provider
* Equipoise between anti-convulsants and anti-depressants according to the treating pain provider

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to taking anti-convulsants or anti-depressants: this exclusion is based on the judgement of the treating pain provider; e.g. if the patient is on a large dose of serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressant, it will stop the physician from considering any other anti-depressants; thus, excluding the patient
* Patient refusal

Where this trial is running

Redwood City, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.