In designing the study questions, the EPC consulted several Key Informants who represent the end-users of research. The EPC sought the Key Informant input on the priority areas for research and synthesis. Key Informants are not involved in the analysis of the evidence or the writing of the report. Therefore, in the end, study questions, design, methodological approaches, and/or conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of individual Key Informants.

Key Informants must disclose any financial conflicts of interest greater than $5,000 and any other relevant business or professional conflicts of interest. Because of their role as end-users, individuals with potential conflicts may be retained. The TOO and the EPC work to balance, manage, or mitigate any conflicts of interest.

The list of Key Informants who provided input to this report follows:

• Matthew Bair, M.D., M.S.
  Associate Professor of Medicine
  Indiana University School of Medicine
  Indianapolis, IN
• Daniel Cherkin, Ph.D.
  Senior Scientific Investigator
  Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute
  Seattle, WA
• Penny Cowan
  Patient Advocate
  Founder & CEO, American Chronic Pain Association
  Pittsburgh, PA
• Kurt Kroenke, M.D., M.A.C.P.
  Professor of Medicine
  Indiana University School of Medicine
  Indianapolis, IN
• Robert Nicholson, Ph.D., L.C.P., FAHS
  Director, Department of Quality & Safety
  Mercy Health System
  St. Louis, MO
• Linda Porter, Ph.D.
  Office of Pain Policy
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  Bethesda, MD
• Kathleen Sluka, Ph.D., P.T., FAPTA
  Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
  Neurobiology of Pain Lab
  University of Iowa
  Iowa City, IA
• Lemeneh Tefera, M.D., M.Sc.
  Medical Officer
  Centers for Clinical Standards and Quality
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  Baltimore, MD
• David Williams, Ph.D
  Professor of Anesthesiology, Rheumatology, Psychiatry, and Psychology
  Associate Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center
  University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, MI