Culturally tailored pain and opioid treatment for Indigenous communities
Official title: Opioid and Pain Treatment in Indigenous Communities (OPTIC) Trial: Implementation of Screening and Brief Intervention
Run by University of New Mexico · NCT06565416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new approach to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities manage chronic pain and opioid use by using care that respects their culture and improves how healthcare providers are trained.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 225 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of New Mexico Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Arcata, California and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06565416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are American Indian or Alaska Native individuals experiencing chronic pain and/or opioid misuse who are receiving services at participating clinics.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not self-identify as American Indian or Alaska Native or those with conditions that interfere with the consenting process may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study focuses on implementing culturally tailored screening and brief interventions for chronic pain and opioid misuse in American Indian and Alaska Native clinics. It aims to enhance the quality of care for these populations by developing provider training and improving screening processes. The research will involve collaboration with community partners to ensure that the interventions are culturally relevant and effective. Data will be collected through electronic medical records and staff surveys over a 24-month period to evaluate the implementation outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the management of chronic pain and opioid misuse in Indigenous communities, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited prior research specifically targeting chronic pain and opioid misuse in Indigenous populations, similar culturally tailored interventions have shown promise in other communities.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Willing and able to provide informed consent * have English comprehension and proficiency * receiving services at one of our participating study sites * report current chronic pain and/or opioid misuse/opioid use disorder * self-identify as American Indian/Alaska Native Exclusion Criteria: * if they have a psychiatric, cognitive, or medical condition that interferes with the consenting process
Where it's running
-
Clinic Site A (blinded pending tribal approval)
Arcata, California, United States Recruiting -
Clinic Site C (blinded pending tribal approval)
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Not yet recruiting -
Clinic Site B (blinded pending tribal approval)
Toppenish, Washington, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew R Pearson, PhD — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Kamilla L Venner, PhD
- Email: kamilla@unm.edu
- Phone: 5059252300
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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.