"Utilizing AI for Mindfulness-Based Pain Management"

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is leading a study funded by the NIH to determine if artificial intelligence (AI) can help steer chronic pain patients away from opioids and towards mindfulness-based approaches. The study will use machine learning to analyze patient data and predict who will benefit most from mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for chronic lower back pain, potentially reducing opioid dependence. The research aims to tailor treatments for diverse populations and could receive up to $9 million in funding over five years. The study, named IMPACT, emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to provide healthcare providers with powerful tools to combat opioid addiction and enhance personalized pain management.