Integrated Care for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder: The IMPOWR Research Center at Montefiore/Einstein (IMPOWR-ME)

Chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite being commonly comorbid, there is a striking lack of integrated, non-pharmacologic treatments accessible to people in need. The overall goal of this proposal is to support the Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery Research Center at Montefiore/Einstein (“IMPOWR-ME”). IMPOWR-ME is a synergistic multidisciplinary research center that leverages exceptional research infrastructure in chronic pain and OUD and existing relationships with people living with chronic pain and OUD and other stakeholders. The aims of IMPOWR-ME are to: 1) create a robust and sustainable research infrastructure to rigorously test and disseminate integrated and cost-effective evidence-based practices for people with chronic pain and OUD; 2) partner with people with lived experience with chronic pain, OUD, or both, and other stakeholders in all stages of the research; and 3) provide opportunities for multidisciplinary early stage investigators to become independent researchers focusing on chronic pain and OUD. Two innovative hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trials are: 1) a three-arm trial of yoga and physical therapy onsite at methadone opioid treatment programs, and 2) a three-arm trial to test Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a care management smartphone app for individuals in primary-care based buprenorphine treatment. Participants in both projects have both chronic pain and OUD or opioid misuse, and specific aims for each project examine chronic pain, OUD, implementation, and cost-effectiveness outcomes. The projects have high potential for dissemination and sustainability and aim to promote physical activity and physical and mental health. An innovative program for pilot studies achieves a dual aim of catalyzing stakeholder-driven research and training early stage and new investigators. An exceptional team of investigators and clinical experts focused on CP and OUD, a longstanding history of collaboration with stakeholders and people with lived experience, and a high-impact population make Montefiore-Einstein an ideal site for an IMPOWR research center.