Decolonizing pain and health-related research to advance research and optimize health.

Abstract

Pain and healthcare inequities persist as consequences of early colonial practices, which plague pain and health-related research today. Colonialism negatively contributes to known inequities among vulnerable marginalized communities. Scientists control overall study design and who participates in research, continuing colonial power practices. Past ethical shortcomings have fostered mistrust in communities. The model proposed advocates for decolonizing pain and health-related research to create shared understandings and collaborations to restore trust. By acknowledging the past, scientists can move from colonial structures and biases to promote integrity and trust. Centering the focus on equity allows for improved pain and health outcomes.