Teaching doctors to talk about pain: a new approach to safer opioid prescribing

NCT ID NCT03629197

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Davis Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a communication training program for primary care doctors can improve how they discuss pain with patients and manage opioid prescriptions. Doctors are randomly assigned to receive the training or standard guidelines. Researchers then record patient visits and track pain interference and prescribing patterns. The goal is to see if better communication leads to safer opioid use and better pain control.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: a clinician communication skills training program using standardized patients
What this could lead to: If effective, this training could improve how doctors talk about pain and reduce risky opioid prescribing in primary care.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study, so results may not apply broadly. The training may not change prescribing habits or patient outcomes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome opioid abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COMMUNICATION RESEARCH OPIOID USE PAIN, CHRONIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California Davis Family Medicine Clinic

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
University of California Davis Internal Medicine Clinic

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

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