HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR): Research Centers

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need to conduct high-impact multidisciplinary research for patients with chronic pain (CP) and opioid use disorder (OUD) in the settings where they receive care and in collaboration with stakeholders and persons with lived experience (PWLE). We propose the continuation of the Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery – Yale and Organizations United (IMPOWR-YOU) to ensure the maximal impact of the main studies. IMPOWR-YOU is a multidisciplinary center led by established investigators with expertise in studying CP and opioid use disorder/misuse (OUD/misuse) and collaborating with important partners including PWLE. Our research continues to be conducted in general medical settings (primary care, hospitals) and specialized areas (opioid treatment programs (OTPs)), with a focus on supporting the career development of early-stage investigators. In this supplement, IMPOWR-YOU's structure will be condensed to 3 cores: Operations; Partner Engagement; and Career Development. The center's focus will be completing its 2 large ongoing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that stand to have important impact in Primary Care and OTPs. These RCTs build on the previous work of our investigators and partners, addressing critical issues that practitioners face across the healthcare system. They include outcomes related to pain, OUD, alcohol use, anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, stress, stigma, and recovery capital. IMPOWR-YOU was built on and continues to thrive with long-standing multidisciplinary research collaborations among crucial partners, including PWLE, early-stage investigators, health systems, and organizations that produce guidelines for CP and OUD/misuse. The IMPOWR- YOU team comprises an ideal mixture of investigators, including leaders in primary care, addiction medicine/psychiatry, pain management, psychology, clinical trials, qualitative research, and implementation science. We have established relationships with a wide array of partners, and a proven track record of innovation, leadership, collaboration, and outstanding productivity. With an additional year of funding, we aim to continue addressing the unique needs of patients with CP and OUD/misuse, further solidifying IMPOWR-YOU as a leading center in this critical area of research.