What is the Veteran ACT for Chronic Pain (VACT-CP) studying for chronic pain?

The study is evaluating an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program designed specifically for Veterans with chronic pain. It compares this program to another online pain education tool to see which better helps Veterans manage pain, improve daily functioning, and enhance quality of life. The VA Office of Research and Development leads this research to address pain management needs for Veterans.

Who may be eligible for this chronic pain clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of non-cancer chronic pain may be eligible. There are no gender restrictions. Important eligibility factors include having access to a computer with high-speed internet, not currently receiving other psychological pain treatments, and no history of psychotic disorders or recent substance use disorders. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this chronic pain clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study programs and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel or internet expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can access the programs from home, which helps reduce travel concerns.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID06058624

Assessing the Efficacy of an Acceptance-Based Digital Intervention to Improve Functioning for Veterans With Chronic Pain

Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-07-30

240

Participants Needed

Research Sites

26 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Chronic pain is a widespread issue affecting Veterans at higher rates than the general public, often leading to difficulties in daily activities, social situations, sleep, and appetite. This research compares two online programs aimed at helping Veterans manage chronic pain an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain specifically designed for Veterans VACT-CP and another established program called Online Pain School. The study seeks to evaluate how these digital interventions improve pain management, daily functioning, and quality of life for Veterans living with chronic pain. Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will use the VACT-CP program, which includes seven weekly online modules guided by an interactive virtual coach named Coach Anne, featuring videos, assessments, and personalized goal setting. The other group will complete seven weekly modules of Online Pain School, offering informational videos, behavioral exercises, and wellness techniques for pain management. Both programs last seven weeks, followed by surveys at Week 7, Month 3, and Month 6 to assess their impact. During the study, participants will complete these modules at home and provide feedback through surveys focused on functioning, quality of life, and mental and physical health at multiple time points after treatment. The research team will measure changes in pain intensity using the Brief Pain Inventory and overall health with the Veterans RAND 36 Item Health Survey. Additional assessments include satisfaction with the programs, psychological flexibility, pain acceptance, and values related to chronic pain management. The total involvement spans from the start of the program through six months of follow-up.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Assessing the Efficacy of an Acceptance-Based Digital Intervention for Veterans With Chronic Pain

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Current diagnosis of non-cancer chronic pain
At least one pain-related diagnosis indicated by ICD-9 or ICD-10 code related to musculoskeletal pain or joint problems/osteoarthritis
Minimum Grade 1 or 2 on the Graded Chronic Pain Scale
Has a computer and working, high-speed wireless internet connection at home
Competent to provide written informed consent

You will not qualify if you...

Any current or lifetime DSM-5 psychotic disorder
Current or recent (within 1 month) DSM-5 substance use disorder
Current use of any other chronic pain-related psychological treatment
Clinically significant suicidality within the past year
Any cognitive or physical impairment that would interfere with using a computer or participating in the study

Research Team

Erin D Reilly, PhD

Caitlin M Girouard, MA BA

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