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» Chronic Pain Veteran Engagement Panel (VEP)
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An official website of the United States government
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Affiliation: Pain/Opioid CORE
"My time as a VEP member has taught me to better collaborate with my VA healthcare providers and more fully address my medical concerns."
– Veteran member
Our mission is to bring Veteran voices into VA research and care related to chronic pain or opioid medication use for chronic pain.
Staff offer a complimentary engagement service to VA researchers, clinicians, and program leaders in the form of staff-supported, monthly consultation studios with a group of Veterans from across the country who all have experience related to chronic pain with or without opioid medication use. The panel consults on any aspect of grant proposals, studies underway, implementation projects, research prioritization, and dissemination products.
Since its inception in 2020, the Chronic Pain VEP has consulted on nearly 100 VA pain and opioid-related research projects. Researchers have reported that engaging with this panel has positively impacted project funding and plans, the framing of their research communication, and the interpretation of findings. They have also shared appreciation for the high-quality feedback and enthusiasm from the panel.
Veterans participating in the panel also routinely report positive outcomes, including increased trust in the VA, a sense of purpose and honor in serving fellow Veterans, and a feeling of being heard and valued. Additionally, panel members share that they have greater confidence and ability to advocate for their own healthcare.
To reach the panel, e-mail tracy.sides@va.gov.