Improving Treatment of
Pain and Addiction

Assessing the Transition from Acute to Chronic Cancer Pain (AtTACC Pain) Study

Dr. Hailey Bulls is leading this is a cross-sectional, experimental study funded by a University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Pain Research Challenge Award. The AtTACC Pain study aims to improve identification of patients at high risk for cancer-related pain and develop biopsychosocial phenotypes underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain … Read more

Consensus-Based Algorithms to Address Opioid Misuse Behaviors Among Individuals Prescribed Long-Term Opioid Therapy: Developing Implementation Strategies and Pilot Testing

This pilot trial is aimed at improving treatments for opioid misuse behaviors in patients prescribed long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. In previous work, Dr. Merlin and her team developed innovative consensus-based algorithms to manage these behaviors. In this project, will develop implementation strategies and operationalize algorithms that address opioid misuse behaviors among individuals receiving … Read more

Consensus-Based Approaches to Managing Opioids, Including Opioid Misuse and Addiction, in Ambulatory Palliative Care: Development and Dissemination

In this Delphi study, we will survey clinician members of the American Academy of Hospice (AAHPM), Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), and Palliative Medicine and Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC) through an internet-based survey as part of a greater initiative to develop consensus approaches to safe and effective opioid prescribing for pain in … Read more

Development of a Cancer Pain Phenotype using Proteomics

This study is an extension of Dr. Bull’s other ongoing research (Assessing the Transition from Acute to Chronic Cancer Pain (AtTACC Pain) Study) by adding proteomics analyses to the AtTACC pain cohort, which will enhance the understanding of the biological underpinnings in the transition from acute to chronic cancer pain. (Funding Source: the University of … Read more

Exploring Biological Pathways Associated with Symptoms and Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications among Patients with Multiple Myeloma

This pilot study will expand upon the existing infrastructure of Dr. Belcher’s career development award (K23NR019296) to explore biological pathways associated with symptoms and adherence to oral anticancer medications among patients with multiple myeloma. (Funding Source: Center for Research and Evaluation Pilot/Feasibility Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing) 

Formative Work to Address Intersecting Prescription Opioid and Chronic Pain Stigma in Cancer Survivors (Supplement to NIH HEAL Initiative)

Dr. Hailey Bulls is a study Co-Investigator leading a qualitative study that focuses on addressing two stigmatizing public health problems experienced by cancer survivors: chronic pain and prescription opioid use. This study will include interviews with cancer survivors, caregivers, and clinicians to identify the contributors and consequences of prescription opioid and chronic pain stigma. (Funding … Read more

Impacts of the Opioid Crisis and Optimal Opioid Prescribing Practices by Medical Oncologist for Patients Receiving Active Treatment for Cancer

In this mixed-methods study, Drs. Schenker and Sabik seek a deeper understanding of opioid use and the impact of the opioid crisis to inform ongoing initiatives addressing access barriers and potential opioid-related harms among oncology patients. (Funding Source: NIH/NCI/UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Development Funds) Project-related publication This Is a Different Patient Population: Opioid Prescribing Challenges … Read more