NIH Reporter #1I01RD000407-01A1

Multidisciplinary Coordination to Facilitate Whole Person Pain Care for Veterans

A VA-funded research project to improve coordination of multimodal pain care for Veterans by studying relational coordination among clinicians and Veterans' experiences, aiming to reduce chronic pain-related disabilities and opioid dependence.

Description

This project examines care coordination using validated surveys and VA health record data, with additional insights from Veteran and clinician interviews. The goal is to inform policymakers and improve care coordination, directly responding to VA strategic priorities. The study addresses the high prevalence of chronic pain among Veterans and aims to improve the coordination of multimodal pain care, which is critical for reducing disability, psychological comorbidities, opioid dependence, and suicide. It is the first to examine delivery of Whole Person Pain Care without a formal team, using Relational Coordination theory, identifying organizational factors influencing care outcomes and developing strategies for better coordination. The methodology includes mixed-methods design with validated surveys, administrative data analysis, and qualitative interviews. Findings will be used by VA operational partners to improve care coordination and inform future implementation strategies.

View original record