Utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture(BFA) to Treat Chronic Pain for Homeless and at Risk Veterans.
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) on homeless and at risk for homelessness veterans with chronic pain for 12 weeks.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Detailed Description
Methodology: This is a mixed methods prospective design study. A total of 35 subjects will be recruited for this study. The primary study outcome variables are: pain level- pre and post treatment, stress, mood and usual activity levels, sleep patterns and behavioral factors such as ; anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use and housing stability.
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Findings: Pending
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Clinical Relationships: This study is conducted to demonstrate whether or not BFA treatment will decrease pain and improve quality of life for homeless and at risk for homelessness veterans.
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Impact/Significance: Pending
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Other: Battlefield Acupuncture All subjects will receive BFA treatment weekly for 12 weeks. |
Other: Battlefield Acupuncture
Battlefield Acupuncture
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Reduction in pain [4 months]
Whether the use of BFA on veterans with chronic pain will decrease pain and improve quality of life. Pain levels will be measured by changes in responses to the Acupuncture Questionnaire
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Change in pain may impact behavioral health issues. [4 months]
Whether effective treatment for chronic pain has an impact on behavioral health issues. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) will measure changes in anxiety and depression.
- Change in pain may impact housing stability [4 months]
Whether effective treatment for chronic pain has an impact on housing stability as measured by the housing stability questionnaire.
- Change in pain may impact substance use. [4 months]
Whether effective treatment for chronic pain has an impact on substance use as measured by the substance use questionnaire.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Eligibility criteria include:
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they are 18 years or older
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they are homeless or at risk for homelessness veterans who are enrolled in the VA Bedford Healthcare system and registered in one of the HUD-VASH or HCHV programs,
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history of chronic pain.
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Availability to participate in the study for 4 months.
If they meet these criteria, they will be asked to complete the Informed consent to enroll in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
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female veterans who are pregnant
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history of bleeding disorders or currently on blood thinning medications
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currently being treated for an active infection of the outer ear.
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currently have a PICC line in their body or are receiving IV antibiotics.
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fear of needles/tacks
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undiagnosed pain complaint
Our recruitment plan invites all eligible veterans and is just, fair, and equitable.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedford VA Healthcare System | Bedford | Massachusetts | United States | 01730 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
Investigators
- Study Chair: John Wells, PhD, VA Bedford Healthcare System
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 1645513