Holistic Practice: How Vitamin D Can Play a Role in Chronic Pain Management

<b>Purpose:</b> This evidence-based practice quality improvement project aimed to holistically address chronic pain-impacting over 100 million Americans-by exploring the potential of vitamin D supplementation as a non-opioid, integrative treatment. <b>Theoretical Framework:</b> Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHEBP), the project aligns with holistic nursing by emphasizing whole person and evidence-informed, non-pharmacologic interventions. <b>Method:</b> The project was implemented at a free clinic in Central Appalachia, involving 30 vitamin D-naïve patients with chronic pain who received a weekly oral dose of 50,000 IUs of vitamin D for 12 weeks. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys, clinical evaluations, and serum level testing to assess outcomes. <b>Findings:</b> After 12 weeks, patients showed statistically significant reductions in pain intensity (<i>p</i> = 0.007) and pain interference (<i>p</i> = 0.020), with serum vitamin D levels rising from 24 to 36 ng/mL (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and a large effect size (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.28); 91% reported subjective benefit. <b>Implications:</b> This project supports incorporating vitamin D as part of a holistic, equitable, and evidence-based approach to chronic pain management, reducing reliance on opioids and advancing integrative nursing practice.