Improving pain diagnosis and treatment for torture survivors
Chronic Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in Torture Survivors
This study is testing a new way to better identify and treat chronic pain in survivors of torture to see if it can help more people find relief.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (New York, New York and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04629963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This investigation aims to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain in survivors of torture. It will utilize a validated pain screening tool, the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPISF), to improve the detection of pain from 15% to 90% when used alongside the United Nations Istanbul Protocol. The study will also evaluate the acceptability of somatic pain treatments through qualitative interviews and assess the feasibility of recruiting participants for a digital pain management program over six months. The findings may also benefit other populations experiencing complex trauma.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have survived torture as defined by the World Medical Association.
Not a fit: Patients who are non-tortured refugees seeking asylum through specific visa categories or pregnant women may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the identification and management of chronic pain in torture survivors, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific application to torture survivors, similar methodologies have shown promise in other trauma-affected populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
(Aim 1) Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years old * Survived torture as defined by the World Medical Association * Consented to being contacted by our research team Exclusion Criteria: * Non-tortured refugees seeking asylum through T visas (trafficking), U visas (victims of violence in the US), Violence Against Women Act (VAMA), and Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) * Pregnant women (Aim 2) Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years old * Survived torture as defined by the World Medical Association * Chronic pain as per Aim 1 findings Exclusion Criteria: * Non-tortured refugees seeking asylum through T visas (trafficking), U visas (victims of violence in the US), Violence Against Women Act (VAMA), and Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) * Pregnant women (Aim 3): Inclusion Criteria * ≥ 18 years old * Survived torture as defined by the World Medical Association * Chronic pain as per Aim 1 findings * Personal smartphone Exclusion Criteria * Non-tortured refugees seeking asylum through T visas (trafficking), U visas (victims of violence in the US), Violence Against Women Act (VAMA), and Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) * Pregnant women * Planned move within 6 months
Where this trial is running
New York, New York and 3 other locations
- Bellevue/New York University Program for Survivors of Torture — New York, New York, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
- Mount Sinai Human Rights Program — New York, New York, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
- Columbia University Human Rights Initiative and Asylum Clinic — New York, New York, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Weill Cornell Medicine — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gunisha Kaur, MA, MD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Gunisha Kaur, MA, MD
- Email: gus2004@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: (212) 746-2461
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.