Project dates: February 2019 - January 2022
This project developed a mobile phone-based intervention for veterans with chronic pain who are prescribed and/or misusing opioids. Using an iterative process and a cognitive behavioral therapy framework, the study used formative, mixed-methods research with veterans to inform and assess the intervention’s acceptability, likability and helpfulness. A small randomized controlled trial was conducted with a cohort of opioid-using veterans with chronic pain to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. Outcomes targeted for change include chronic pain behaviors (e.g., pain severity, pain interference with life functions, pain catastrophizing and pain-related distress), opioid misuse, morbidities associated with chronic pain (e.g., insomnia, PTSD symptoms), and use of VA and other medical and social services.