A PCORI funding opportunity is opening new pathways to solutions for the millions of people in the U.S. whose quality of life is limited by pain. With up to $12 million in direct costs available for patient-centered studies addressing acute and chronic pain, this funding initiative presents an opportunity for researchers to make a real difference—and PCORnet® is perfectly positioned to support these efforts.
PCORnet offers a robust infrastructure for conducting national-scale, comparative clinical effectiveness research into the experiences of more than 47 million people in the U.S. When it comes to pain research, a national scale is key. By studying large, varied groups, researchers can identify patterns, understand unique pain trajectories, and develop tailored interventions that are effective for a wide range of patients, reflecting the complexity of pain itself. With its ability to connect researchers to patient populations and real-world data, PCORnet was built to support studies that not only advance pain management but also tailor solutions to patients' specific needs, driving more effective interventions.
CaRISMA: A Case Study in Pain Research with PCORnet
To understand how PCORnet can be used to advance pain research, consider CaRISMA, a PCORnet® Study with early findings around the impact of depressive symptoms on chronic pain outcomes in people living with sickle cell disease. Many sickle cell disease patients experience severe chronic pain crises, often coupled with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Using the extensive data resources and patient recruitment capabilities available via PCORnet, the CaRISMA study team enrolled 357 adults with sickle cell disease to understand the relationship between mental health and pain.
“Using the PCORnet infrastructure, we have been able to overcome many of the typical challenges that come with research into pain caused by sickle cell disease, including the geographic spread of patients and the complex and varied nature of their pain,” said Charles Jonassaint, CaRISMA principal investigator.
To recruit participants and bring the pragmatic CaRISMA trial to life, the study team worked with PaTH, a PCORnet® Clinical Research Network. Through this partnership, the study team learned the sickle cell disease community preferred digital communication versus other formats. With this information in mind, the team developed a smartphone app to deliver digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to half of the study participants. The other half of participants received educational content on sickle cell disease via a smartphone app. The study team is exploring whether either approach impacted daily pain. Early findings were published in the British Journal of Hematology in January 2024.
“Education or CBT may not eliminate pain altogether, but if we can use one or both of these approaches to manage the pain in ways that meaningfully improve patients’ quality of life, that is an important win for the pain community,” said Jonassaint.
Get Started with PCORnet® for Pain Research
With this new PCORI funding opportunity, researchers have the chance to similarly explore new avenues in pain research using PCORnet. Here are three steps you can take today to get started:
- Visit the PCORnet® Front Door to learn how you can use PCORnet to support your pain research.
- Register for one or both of our upcoming information sessions:
- PCORI Managing Pain Applicant Town Hall on October 30, 2024, at noon E.T. to learn more details about this funding announcement.
- PCORI Virtual Town Hall on 30, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET. to learn about PCORI’s expectations for partnerships in research.
- Sign up for a one-on-one Office Hours session with PCORI staff to answer your questions specific to this funding announcement.
This and other PCORI funding opportunities will open on Dec. 3, 2024, so start making your plans now to apply. Check out the full PCORI Managing Pain Topical Funding Announcement for more information.