Veterans test Drug-Free pain coaching program
NCT ID NCT05563792
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests a coaching program called OPTIONS that helps veterans with chronic pain learn non-medication strategies. Around 296 veterans with musculoskeletal pain will work with a coach to align pain management with their personal values and goals. The main goal is to see if this approach reduces how much pain interferes with daily activities.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- behavioral coaching on non-medication pain management strategies
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer veterans a practical, drug-free way to better manage chronic pain and improve daily functioning.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage behavioral study. Results may not apply to all pain types or populations, and benefits may vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 296 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2022
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * have musculoskeletal pain in the low back, cervical spine, or extremities (hip, knee, or shoulder) for at least 3 months * have at least moderate pain intensity and interference with function, defined by a score of 4 (possible range: 0-10) on the PEG, a 3-item measure of pain intensity, interference with enjoyment of life, and interference with general activity (obtained from phone screener) * have a primary care appointment scheduled or due in approximately the next three months * open to trying new pain treatments Exclusion Criteria: * a psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months * long-term opioid therapy * severe medical conditions likely precluding participation (e.g., NY Heart Association Class III or IV heart failure) which includes heart attack, stroke, and cancer, or * if the eligibility screener reveals cognitive impairment, defined by a score of \>3 (possible range: 0-6) on MMSE cognitive screen (obtained from phone screener), or * if the eligibility screener reveals active suicidal ideation, or * severe hearing/speech impairment
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46202-2884, United States
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