Exploring Alternative Pain Management Treatments for Veterans
As part of my practicum in NUR 6348: Practicum in Health Problems, I am currently developing an evidence-based project focused on alternative pain management treatments for veterans. Chronic pain continues to be a significant concern within the veteran population, and traditional long-term opioid use presents risks such as dependency, tolerance, and adverse side effects. In response to these challenges, there has been increased attention toward complementary and integrative health (CIH) strategies as safer, more holistic options (Bennett et al., 2022; Nahin et al., 2016).
This project is designed to explore how nurses can play a role in supporting veterans who may benefit from non-pharmacologic approaches to pain relief. These strategies include yoga, acupuncture, music therapy, mindfulness, chiropractic care, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Research shows these options can lead to better patient outcomes, improved coping, and reduced reliance on opioids (Groessl et al., 2017; Nahin et al., 2016).
Project Plan and Module Development
The project educational module is aimed at nursing staff in veteran care settings. The module is intended to provide a practical introduction to alternative pain management and help build confidence in nurses who may not be familiar with these approaches.
The planned structure of the module includes the following topics:
Understanding Chronic Pain in Veterans – Reviews pain prevalence, comorbidities such as PTSD, and its impact on veterans’ overall health.
Overview of Non-Pharmacologic Treatments – Introduces CIH options supported by evidence, including yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness.
Effective Communication Strategies – Covers how to engage veterans in conversations about pain management and build trust around alternative treatments.
Referral Processes and Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Explains how to work with other healthcare professionals to connect patients to CIH services.
Evaluation Plans
To assess the effectiveness of the module, I plan to use the following tools:
A pre- and post-module knowledge check to evaluate learning
A brief participant feedback survey to measure satisfaction, relevance, and intent to apply the information
Optional peer or facilitator observation if delivered in a live or virtual setting
Implications for Nursing Education and Clinical Practice
This project will reinforce the importance of equipping nurses with tools beyond pharmacologic interventions. As educators, we can help shift the perspective on pain management by introducing evidence-based alternatives that align with veterans’ individual needs and preferences. Once completed, this module has the potential to be used in both staff development and pre-licensure education to promote holistic, patient-centered care.
Bennett, H. E., Godfrey, C. M., Harrison, M. B., & Teel, C. (2022). Integrative health approaches for chronic pain in veterans: A scoping review. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(1), 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211020242
Groessl, E. J., Liu, L., Chang, D. G., Wetherell, J. L., Bormann, J. E., & Atkinson, J. H. (2017). Yoga for chronic low back pain in veterans: A randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(5), 599–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.06.008
Nahin, R. L., Boineau, R., Khalsa, P. S., Stussman, B. J., & Weber, W. J. (2016). Evidence-based evaluation of complementary health approaches for pain management in the United States. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 91(9), 1292–1306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007