Peer Support Program for Chronic Pain

(PEEPS Trial)

Overseen By Jennifer L Snow, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Communication difficulty, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how peer support can help Veterans manage chronic pain more effectively. Participants work with a peer specialist—someone with firsthand experience and training to assist—in six 30-minute sessions. The goal is to determine if this approach, called PEEPS (Peer Support Program for Chronic Pain), can improve pain management, physical activity, and overall quality of life for Veterans. Veterans receiving care at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System who have persistent, high-impact chronic pain might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers Veterans the opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches in chronic pain management.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on peer support for pain management, so it's likely you can continue your current treatment, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this peer support program is safe for Veterans with chronic pain?

Research shows that peer support programs are generally safe and well-received. In these programs, individuals who have successfully managed similar issues assist others. Such programs have been implemented in mental health centers and Veterans Affairs facilities without major safety concerns.

While specific safety data for the PEEPS program is not yet available, peer support remains a common and trusted approach. It often helps people improve their quality of life and manage long-term health issues. Since this trial is in its early stages, it focuses on the program's effectiveness and participants' experiences. Consequently, there is less detailed safety information from past studies. However, the widespread use of peer support suggests it is a safe option for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Peer Support Program (PEEPS) for chronic pain because it offers a unique approach by involving peer specialists. Unlike traditional treatments like medications or physical therapy, PEEPS focuses on personal interaction and support from someone who has experienced chronic pain themselves. This peer-to-peer model aims to enhance emotional and social support, potentially leading to better coping strategies and improved quality of life. The program is delivered through six 30-minute sessions, which could provide an accessible and personal alternative to conventional therapies.

What evidence suggests that this peer support program is effective for chronic pain?

Studies have shown that peer support programs can effectively help manage chronic pain. For example, when peers delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), participants felt more confident in handling their pain, experienced fewer limitations due to pain, and reported less pain over a year. Another study found that peer support improved chronic pain management and reduced anxiety and depression. Research also shows that peer-led programs are especially effective for older adults managing pain. In this trial, participants will work with a peer specialist for six 30-minute sessions. Overall, peer support programs are proving to be a promising way to help people cope with chronic pain. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sara Edmond, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans with chronic pain who are part of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and have been referred to a Pain Management Team. Participants must experience high-impact chronic pain, be able to attend sessions in person or via video, but can't join if they have severe cognitive issues, communication difficulties, or impaired hearing/speech.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing/able to participate in sessions either in person or via video

Veteran receiving care from VA Connecticut Healthcare System

You have been referred to a pain management team at VA Connecticut.

Exclusion Criteria

I have significant trouble thinking or communicating with others.

Inability to read or understand English

Severely impaired hearing or speech that would preclude them from participating in telephone interviews

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention Refinement

Refinement of the intervention protocol using intervention mapping

Not specified

Treatment

Participants work with a peer specialist for six 30-minute sessions

3 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feasibility, acceptability, and function-focused outcomes

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PEEPS

Trial Overview The study is testing a peer-led intervention called PEEPS designed to help Veterans manage their chronic pain better. It aims to enhance function, increase physical activity, and encourage engagement in recommended pain care through support from trained peers with similar experiences.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: peer specialist Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Work with a peer specialist for six 30-minute sessions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32124499/

Peer Support Intervention Improves Pain-Related Outcomes ... Conclusions: This peer-delivered CBT intervention improved pain self-efficacy, pain-related functional limitations, and pain intensity over 12 months among ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7728830/

Peer Support for Self-Management of Chronic Pain The primary outcome was total pain, assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Secondary outcomes were anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, self-efficacy ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03823495

Effectiveness of a Peer-led Pain Management Program Expected results: Significant reduction in pain and enhancement in pain-related parameters, making peers support models in elderly care. Official Title.

4. pcori.org pcori.org/research-results/2021/comparing-effectiveness-two-online-programs-treating-chronic-pain

Comparing the Effectiveness of Two Online Programs for ... The project compares the effectiveness of two different online programs for treating chronic pain. Who will this research inform?

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.709141/full

Effectiveness of a Peer-Led Pain Management Program in ... The present study used a peer support models and proven to be effective in managing pain and pain related situations for nursing home residents.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8855026/

An Update of Peer Support/Peer Provided Services ... The purpose of this article is to delineate the current state-of-the-knowledge of peer support following the framework employed in the 2004 ...

7. samhsa.gov samhsa.gov/technical-assistance/brss-tacs/peer-support-workers

Peer Support Workers for those in Recovery Peer support workers are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9833192/

PEER simplified chronic pain guideline: Management of ... To develop a clinical practice guideline to support the management of chronic pain, including low back, osteoarthritic, and neuropathic pain in primary care.

9. bhwellness.org bhwellness.org/toolkits/Peer-Support-Program-Toolkit.pdf

Peer Support Program Toolkit Peer specialists may be found in settings such as community mental health centers, homeless shelters, VAs, social service organizations, jails/prisons, ...

10. mn.gov mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/mental-health/programs-services/cps.jsp

Certified Peer Specialists - Minnesota.gov Certified peer specialists are individuals who have had personal experience of mental illness and are trained to be direct service mental health staff.