NCT06671925 · University of Michigan
A Community Health Worker-Led Program for Chronic Pain and Loneliness in Older Adults
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a new community health worker-delivered program (Strengthening COnnections to Overcome Pain, or SCOOP) that teaches strategies for managing chronic pain and loneliness to older adults living in rural areas. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does participating in SCOOP result in less pain interference with daily life? 2.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a new community health worker-delivered program (Strengthening COnnections to Overcome Pain, or SCOOP) that teaches strategies for managing chronic pain and loneliness to older adults living in rural areas. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does participating in SCOOP result in less pain interference with daily life? 2. Does participating in SCOOP result in decreased loneliness? 3. What is the level of participant engagement in SCOOP? Researchers will compare people who have participated in SCOOP with people who have not participated in SCOOP to see if SCOOP is helpful in decreasing pain interference and loneliness. Participants will: 1. Watch brief videos teaching strategies to manage pain and boost social connections. 2. Engage in up to 7 weekly coaching sessions with a community health worker. 3. Complete two telephone interviews about health, mental health, and functioning: one at baseline, and one 2 months later.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Strengthening COnnections to Overcome Pain (SCOOP)
Each week for 7 weeks, SCOOP intervention group participants will watch a brief video on the study website teaching a pain management or social connectedness skill and have a session with a community health worker, where they will receive support with behavioral goal-setting related to pain management and/or social connections. Participants will be screened for unmet social needs and connected to appropriate resources.
Primary outcome measures
Engagement as measured by number of sessions completed
Time frame: 8 weeks from baseline
Number of sessions out of 7 that participants have completed 8 weeks from baseline.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age \>= 60 years;
- Have a mobile or landline phone;
- Self-reported chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles or joints for \>= 3 months, \>=4 (0-10 scale) average pain level over last week, \>=1 day/previous 30 when pain made it difficult to do usual activities);
- Self-reported loneliness (Feeling lonely "some of the time" or more often);
- Able to converse comfortably in English.
Exclusion criteria
- Serious acute illness or hospitalization in the last month;
- Planned major surgery in the next three months that would interfere with program participation (e.g., knee or hip replacement);
- Severe cognitive impairment or other severe physical or psychiatric disorder judged by study team to pose a significant barrier to participation.
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA), Northern Michigan Health Consortium, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations