Interdisciplinary Pain Management Improves Pain and Function in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain Associated with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome

An online pain management program for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder: a three-staged development process

PURPOSE

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) are painful, chronic and multi-systemic conditions. No online pain management programs for hEDS/HSD currently exist. We aimed to develop one by exploring what people with hEDS/HSD want in such programs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Delphi was conducted via online surveys of stakeholders: participants with hEDS/HSD and healthcare professionals (HCP). In survey 1, participants were asked if a hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program was important, listing up to 20 topics important to know about pain. In survey 2, participants rated the importance of those topics. Consensus was set as ≥75% rating of at least "important". Using topics that reached consensus, the online program was developed. Usability testing was performed using the Systems Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS

396 hEDS/HSD and 29 HCP completed survey 1; 151 hEDS/HSD and 12 HCP completed survey 2. 81% of hEDS/HSD and 69% of HCP rated a hEDS/HSD-specific program as at least "important". Thirty-five topics reached consensus to guide content for the HOPE program (Hypermobile Online Pain managemEnt). SUS score was 82.5, corresponding to "high acceptability".

CONCLUSIONS

A hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program is important to stakeholders. Utilising a Delphi approach to incorporate stakeholder input, an evidence-informed and user appropriate program was developed.

Does diagnosis matter? Evaluating impact of pediatric chronic pain diagnosis on pain and function

PURPOSE

This study aimed to A) evaluate changes in pain and function following an outpatient interdisciplinary pain management program (IPMP) for children with different chronic pain conditions and B) explore differences in pain and function at baseline and discharge for different diagnoses.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for 488 children who participated in an outpatient IPMP. Children's pain and physical, social, and emotional functioning were assessed at initial evaluation, discharge, and one-to-two-month follow-up. Patients were stratified by diagnosis (complex regional pain syndrome [CRPS], headache, musculoskeletal pain, visceral pain, and widespread pain) to evaluate differences in pain and functioning at baseline and discharge.

RESULTS

Children's pain and function improved from initial evaluation to discharge. Those with headache and musculoskeletal pain exhibited better baseline physical and emotional functioning than other diagnostic groups (p = 0.03; p = 0.005; p = 0.002; p = 0.04). Children with CRPS displayed the worst baseline physical functioning (p = 0.003). Those with widespread pain exhibited the worst baseline emotional functioning at both initial evaluation and discharge (p = 0.009; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Children with CRPS, visceral pain, and widespread pain undergoing treatment in an IPMP exhibited the most impaired baseline functioning, while those with musculoskeletal pain and headache were least impaired. All exhibited improvements in pain and function following the IPMP.

Updated recommendations on measures for clinical trials in pediatric chronic pain: a multiphase approach from the Core Outcomes in Pediatric Persistent Pain (Core-OPPP) Workgroup

ABSTRACT

Many gaps remain in finding effective, safe, and equitable treatments for children and adolescents with chronic pain and in accessing treatments in different settings. A major goal of the field is to improve assessment of pain and related experience. Valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures are critical for advancing knowledge of clinical interventions for pediatric chronic pain. Building on the work of the Ped-IMMPACT group, we previously updated a core outcome set (COS) for pediatric chronic pain clinical trials using stakeholder feedback from providers, youth, and parents. The new COS includes 3 mandatory domains: pain severity, pain-related interference with daily living, and adverse events and 4 optional domains: overall well-being, emotional functioning, physical functioning, and sleep quality. The aim of this study was to use a multiphased approach to recommend specific measures for each of the 7 domains identified in our new COS for pediatric chronic pain. We synthesized evidence through conducting the following: (1) a Delphi study of experts to identify candidate measures for the new COS domains, (2) a review phase to gather evidence for measurement properties for candidate measures, and (3) an expert consensus conference to reach agreement on measurement recommendations. Final recommendations included 9 patient-reported measures. Important contextual considerations are discussed, and guidance is provided regarding strengths and limitations of the recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations may be enhanced by widespread dissemination and ease of access to measurement tools.

Physical therapy interventions in generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Physical therapy (PT) plays a central role in treating individuals with Generalized Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (G-HSD) and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). However, there is limited research describing these individuals' PT management. This review aims to systematically map the evidence on PT interventions to treat this patient population.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase from January 2000 to April 2023 was performed. After the screening process, studies were appraised and classified based on the type of PT interventions used. Five reviewers independently assessed the articles.

RESULTS

The search produced 757 articles. Twenty-eight met the inclusion criteria. The studies included 630 participants, mostly female, with a mean age of 26.2 (ranging from 2 to 69). The PT interventions used were therapeutic exercise, patient instruction, motor function training, adaptive equipment, manual therapy, and functional training.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence indicates that therapeutic exercise and motor function training are efficacious methods to treat individuals with G-HSD and hEDS. There is also weak evidence for using adaptive equipment, patient instruction, manual therapy, and functional training. Recent studies emphasize multidisciplinary care and understanding of the psychological impact of G-HSD/hEDS. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness and dosage of PT interventions.

Understanding the Postpartum Cesarean Pain Experience Among Individuals With Publicly Funded Insurance: A Qualitative Investigation

INTRODUCTION

Pain is the most common postpartum concern and has been associated with adverse outcomes, such as difficulty with neonatal bonding, postpartum depression, and persistent pain. Furthermore, racial and ethnic disparities in the management of postpartum pain are well described. Despite this, less is known regarding patients' lived experiences regrading postpartum pain. The purpose of this study was to assess patient experiences related to postpartum pain management after cesarean birth.

METHODS

This is a prospective qualitative study of patients' experiences with postpartum pain management after cesarean birth at a single large tertiary care center. Individuals were eligible if they had publicly funded prenatal care, were English or Spanish speaking, and underwent a cesarean birth. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a racially and ethnically diverse cohort. Participants underwent in-depth interviews using a semistructured interview guide at 2 time points: postpartum day 2 to 3 and 2 to 4 weeks after discharge. Interviews addressed perceptions and experiences of postpartum pain management and recovery. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

RESULTS

Of 49 participants, 40.8% identified as non-Hispanic Black and 40.8% as Hispanic. The majority (59.2%) had experienced a cesarean birth with a prior pregnancy. Thematic analysis yielded 2 overarching domains: (1) experience of pain after cesarean birth and (2) pain management and opioid use after cesarean birth. Themes related to the experience of pain included pain as a meaningful experience, pain not aligned with expectations, and limitations caused by pain. All participants discussed limitations caused by their pain, voicing frustration with pursuing activities of daily living, caring for home and family, caring for neonate, and impact on mood. Themes related to pain management and opioid use addressed a desire for nonpharmacologic pain management, positive and negative experiences using opioids, and hesitancy and perceived judgement regarding opioid use. Several participants described experiences of judgement regarding the request for opioids and needing stronger pain medications, such as oxycodone.

DISCUSSION

Understanding experiences regarding postpartum cesarean pain management and recovery is essential to improving patient-centered care. The experiences identified by this analysis highlight the need for individualized postpartum pain management, improved expectation counseling, and the expansion of multimodal pain management options.

Psychological interventions to improve pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in children and adults with hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a systematic review

Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) affect individuals across physical, psychological and social domains, making assessment and management difficult. Management for this condition primarily focuses on addressing the musculoskeletal complaints using physiotherapy rather than the additional manifestations such as fatigue, anxiety and depression. This systematic review aims to identify psychological interventions and assess whether they improve the lived experiences of individuals with HSD. It also aims to assess which psychological interventions were most effective, which symptoms were most effectively managed by a psychological intervention, and whether there were differences between children and adults. Studies were included if they were a randomised controlled trial or pre/post-test design, a sample of any age and clinical diagnosis of HSD (including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), used a psychological intervention and assessed the effect of the intervention on lived experiences using appropriate outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The results were narratively synthesised. Six studies were included in the review, one isolated psychological intervention and five incorporated a psychological intervention within a multidisciplinary programme. The interventions predominantly aimed to reduce pain including intensity, interference, pain-related fear and catastrophising, with anxiety and depression, affect, daily living, fatigue also being evaluated. The most beneficial psychological interventions were those delivered alongside physiotherapy in an outpatient or community setting, improving both the physical and psychological aspects of pain, subsequently improving quality of life. However, there lacks randomised controlled trials with larger samples to definitively confirm the significant findings discussed in this review.

A systematic review of the biopsychosocial dimensions affected by chronic pain in children and adolescents: identifying reliable and valid pediatric multidimensional chronic pain assessment tools

Pediatric chronic pain is a complex experience that is often challenging to describe and measure. Multidimensional tools that evaluate the biopsychosocial impact of chronic pain in pediatric patients can help clinicians to prioritize and tailor interdisciplinary pain care; yet, the psychometric value and clinical utility of such tools has not yet been systematically studied in the literature. The purpose of this review was to identify multidimensional biopsychosocial tools used in pediatric chronic pain, synthesize their reliability and validity evidence, and draw on this evidence to describe the relationships between chronic pain and biopsychosocial domains. The search involved 2 phases to (1) identify eligible tools and (2) conduct a measured forward citation search of tool development articles. Tool eligibility was guided by the Multidimensional Biobehavioral Model of Pediatric Pain and study eligibility was focused on primary chronic pain diagnoses unrelated to disease. Data extraction was focused on reliability and validity evidence of eligible tools, guided by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Results yielded 6 tools that included 64 eligible studies, highlighting 84 significant relationships between pain and functional interference across 11 biopsychosocial variables. All tools were shown to have good internal consistency and evidence of validity, primarily through relationships to other variables. Of the 6 tools, the most brief and easy to use were the most under studied. Further psychometric research is warranted for these tools to investigate their clinical utility and psychometric properties in guiding and prioritizing pain care for children and adolescents.

Psychological interventions for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To identify the nature and extent of the evidence on psychological interventions among individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible studies reported on psychological interventions for individuals of all ages with EDS and/or HSD. All studies published in English were included, with no restrictions to publication year or status. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched. Two reviewers independently screened studies and abstracted data.

RESULTS

This scoping review included 10 studies reporting on EDS, HSD, or both. Only cohort studies and case studies were identified. Four studies investigated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one investigated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), two investigated psychoeducation, two investigated Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment (IIPT), and one investigated Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Interventions targeted pain management, self-destructive behaviours, and related psychological issues (e.g., depression/anxiety). Sample sizes were small (n < 50) for most studies and interventions were generally poorly described.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a critical need for high-quality research surrounding psychological interventions for individuals with EDS/HSD. Psychological interventions for these individuals are understudied and existing studies lack validity. Researchers should investigate psychological interventions for individuals with all types of EDS/HSD with high-quality studies to validate findings from the existing studies.

Expressed Beliefs about the Cause of Pain in a Pediatric Population: A Qualitative Study

(1) Background: The aims of this study are to explore what beliefs children and adolescents manifest about the cause of the pain they describe, to compare whether there are differences between beliefs by age and the persistence of pain, and to relate the explanations of the cause of pain with current scientific evidence. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional qualitative study was used. The primary endpoint of the study was obtaining explanations of the cause of pain recorded by means of an open-ended question. The participants were school-age children attending a charted school in the province of Barcelona. (3) Results: The children and adolescents proposed a diverse range of explanations for the cause of pain that they reported in their responses. The most frequent explanation for the cause of pain were pathologies and injuries (45.95%), ergonomic issues (22.60%) and psychological issues (15.95%). (4) Conclusions: There is a lot of variety in the explanations that young people give about the cause of their pain in schoolchildren aged between 10 and 16 years old. There exists a high prevalence of explanations non-associated with tissue damage (ENAD) concerning the causes of pain described. It is necessary that future health prevention programs dedicated to early ages consider which beliefs about the cause of pain are the most frequent in the pediatric population.

Chronic Pain in Children: Interdisciplinary Management

Chronic pain in children is a relatively prevalent cause of functional disability. Contributing factors to this pain are best viewed through the biopsychosocial model. Although evidence is lacking for individual aspects of treatment, interdisciplinary care is considered the best treatment approach for children with chronic pain. Interdisciplinary care can include medication management with daily and as-needed medications, physical and occupational therapy focusing on function and movement, and psychological treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance focused treatment. In children with severe pain and disability, intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment may be needed to improve pain and function.

Hypermobility prevalence, measurements, and outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood: a systematic review

General Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is a common condition found in 2-57% of the population. Of those with GJH, 10% suffer from accompanying physical and/or psychological symptoms. While the understanding of GJH in the general population is unfolding, its implication in a cohort of children, adolescents and young adults are not yet understood. This systematic review explored GJH's prevalence, tools to measure it, its physical and psychosocial symptoms, with a special interest in aesthetic sports. The CINHAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were (1) Age range of 5-24; (2) Participants had GJH; (3) A measurement for GJH; (4) Studies written in English language. Study screening for title, abstract and full text (when needed) and quality assessment were performed by two independent individuals. 107 studies were included in this review and were thematically grouped into six clusters expressing different foci: (1) GJH's Core Characteristics; (2) Orthopedic; (3) Physical Other; (4) Psychosocial; (5) Treatment and (6) Aesthetic Sports. The review revealed a growing interest in GJH in this cohort in the last decade, especially regarding non-musculoskeletal physical implications and psychosocial aspects. Prevalence varied between different ethnic groups and as a parameter of age, gender and measurement. The most widespread tool to measure GJH was the Beighton scale, with a cut-off varying between 4 and 7. Children show fewer, but similar GJH implication to those in the general population, however, more research on the topic is warranted, especially regarding psychosocial aspects and treatment.

Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge about Pediatric Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review

Pediatric chronic pain is a common public health problem with a high prevalence among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to review the current knowledge of health professionals on pediatric chronic pain between 15–30% among children and adolescents. However, since this is an underdiagnosed condition, it is inadequately treated by health professionals. To this aim, a systematic review was carried out based on a search of the electronic literature databases (PubMed and Web of Science), resulting in 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of these articles seems to show a certain degree of heterogeneity in the surveyed professionals about the awareness of this concept, especially regarding its etiology, assessment, and management. In addition, the extent of knowledge of the health professionals seems to be insufficient regarding these aspects of pediatric chronic pain. Hence, the knowledge of the health professionals is unrelated to recent research that identifies central hyperexcitability as the primary factor affecting the onset, persistence, and management of pediatric chronic pain.

A Parent-Targeted Group Intervention for Pediatric Pain Delivered In-Person or Virtually: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness

OBJECTIVES

Parents play integral roles in their youth's chronic pain and can experience elevated distress related to caregiving. This study examined a cognitive-behavior therapy-based parent-targeted group intervention, including understudied/novel resilience/risk (eg, distress, parenting self-regulation), and compared the effect of in-person versus virtual delivery format.

HYPOTHESES

(1) Adequate feasibility and acceptability (enrolment>33%, attendance >60%, attrition <25%, satisfaction ratings >90%), with higher indicators of feasibility in the virtual groups; (2) Significant improvements in parent psychological flexibility, protectiveness, distress, and parenting self-regulation at posttreatment that were maintained at follow-up, with no difference between delivery type.

METHODS

Parents were enroled from an outpatient pediatric chronic pain clinic and participated in the group intervention in-person or virtually; questionnaires were completed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Enrolment (55% in-person, 65% virtual) and attendance (86% in-person, 93% virtual) were higher, and attrition was lower than expected (4% in-person, 7% virtual). Satisfaction was high (4.95/5 in-person, 4.85/5 virtual); on written feedback, parents enjoyed connecting with other parents (27/56, 48%) the most. The least preferred were the virtual format (5/36, 14%) and timing of the group (6/52, 12%). There were no differences between delivery formats in feasibility/acceptability. The intervention significantly improved parents' psychological flexibility, protectiveness, distress, and parenting self-regulation over time. A small group difference favored the in-person format for psychological flexibility, and an interaction effect for parenting self-regulation was found.

DISCUSSION

This standalone parent-targeted group intervention had positive effects on parent outcomes delivered either in-person or virtually.

A Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy-Related Interventions for Pediatric Chronic Pain

Occupational therapists have distinct value providing pediatric chronic pain interventions (e.g., pain management, normalizing sensory responses, increasing participation); however, limited evidence exists. This review appraised empirical studies on occupational therapy pediatric chronic pain management. Three reviewers independently screened 2,401 titles, 250 abstracts, and 71 full-text sources for studies published in English, after 2008, and with sample sizes >10, participants <18 years, with chronic pain >3 months, and outcomes related to pain/function. Studies were assessed for risk of bias. The review included 23 studies on psychological, interprofessional, virtual/telehealth, or biomechanical management, demonstrating significant decreases in pain/disability. Most studies had high risk of bias for lack of randomization and control groups, and homogeneous sampling. The occupational therapists' role in chronic pain interventions is still unclear. Research including larger, heterogenous samples is warranted to examine occupational therapy's specific role providing pain interventions as part of a team.

Outcome measures for assessing change over time in studies of symptomatic children with hypermobility: a systematic review

Background

Generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is highly prevalent among children and associated with symptoms in a fifth with the condition. This study aimed to synthesise outcome measures in interventional or prospective longitudinal studies of children with GJH and associated lower limb symptoms.

Methods

Electronic searches of Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases from inception to 16th March 2020 were performed for studies of children with GJH and symptoms between 5 and 18 years reporting repeated outcome measures collected at least 4 weeks apart. Methodological quality of eligible studies were described using the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Six studies comprising of five interventional, and one prospective observational study (total of 388 children) met the inclusion criteria. Interventional study durations were between 2 and 3 months, with up to 10 months post-intervention follow-up, while the observational study spanned 3 years. Three main constructs of pain, function and quality of life were reported as primary outcome measures using 20 different instruments. All but one measure was validated in paediatric populations, but not specifically for children with GJH and symptoms. One study assessed fatigue, reporting disabling fatigue to be associated with higher pain intensity.

Conclusions

There were no agreed sets of outcome measures used for children with GJH and symptoms. The standardisation of assessment tools across paediatric clinical trials is needed. Four constructs of pain, function, quality of life and fatigue are recommended to be included with agreed upon, validated, objective tools.

Psychological Interventions for Parents of Youth With Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

Parents are integral to their youth's chronic pain experiences, and intervening with parents may improve parent and youth functioning. Existing systematic reviews are not specific to pain or do not systematically report critical aspects to facilitate implementation of parent interventions in diverse settings. Thus, this scoping review aimed to map published parent interventions for pediatric chronic pain to summarize the participant and intervention characteristics, treatment components, methods, outcomes, feasibility, and acceptability, as well as identify gaps for future research.

METHODS

Four databases were searched (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar). Studies of any design reporting psychological interventions including parents of youth (0 to 18 y) with chronic pain were included. Data on study characteristics, treatment components, effectiveness, and feasibility/acceptability were extracted.

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies met inclusion criteria from 9312 unique titles. The majority were nonrandomized cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions delivered individually. The degree of parent participation ranged from 17% to 100%; the average enrollment rate was 68%. Reported parent and youth outcomes were variable; 26% of studies did not include any parent-related outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Parent interventions may be a helpful and feasible way to support parents and youth with chronic pain. There is variability across study characteristics, treatment content/aims, parent participation, and parent/youth outcomes.

Physical therapy treatment of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A systematic review

Physiotherapy techniques are regularly prescribed in the hypermobile type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and they are appreciated by the patients. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of the different physiotherapy techniques related to the children and adult patients with hEDS. PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Scopus, and Embase databases were analyzed from inception to April 2020. Characteristics of the studies (authors), patients (sample size, sex, age, Beighton score), and nonpharmacological treatment (length of the program, number of session, duration of the session, and type of intervention), and the results with the dropout rate were extracted. From the 1045 retrieved references, 6 randomized controlled trial with a sample size ranging from 20 to 57 patients were included in the systematic review. There was a huge heterogeneity in the interventions. The durations of the program were from 4 to 8 weeks. Pain or proprioception demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group regardless of the type of intervention. A benefit of the inspiratory muscle training was observed on functional exercise capacity. The quality of life was systematically improved. Physiotherapy benefits on proprioception and pain in patients with hEDS even if robust randomized control studies are missing.

Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Impression of Change in a Cohort of Pediatric Patients With Pain

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the utility of the Multidimensional Patient Impression of Change (MPIC) questionnaire in a pediatric pain population after interdisciplinary treatment.

DESIGN

Observational study with retrospective chart review. The observed treatment program included psychological counseling, relaxation training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician management.

SETTING

Outpatient pain management center affiliated with an academic rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A heterogeneous group of pediatric patients with chronic pain (N=202) who completed an interdisciplinary pain management program.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures assessing pain, mood, development, social functioning, physical functioning, and family functioning were administered pre- and posttreatment, and the MPIC was administered posttreatment.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were observed in all outcomes (P<.05). The majority of patients perceived themselves to be improved (minimally to very much) in all clinical domains of the MPIC, ranging from 60% (medication efficacy) to 96% (coping with pain). The MPIC ratings were significantly correlated with improvements in most of the outcome measures. The MPIC domains accounted for more than half of the unique variance in predictive models when added to the Patient Global Impression of Change, and most of the variance when added to the models first.

CONCLUSIONS

The MPIC was found to be an effective screening tool for assessing patient perceived progress in a pediatric chronic pain population.

Routine use of the Bath Adolescent Pain Questionnaire in a paediatric pain clinic

Introduction

Assessment of outcomes from health interventions are of increasing importance, primarily to identify effective and safe treatment, but also to justify funding decisions. The Bath Adolescent Pain Questionnaire (BAPQ) is a self-report questionnaire, validated in 11-18 year olds, assessing the impact of pain in multiple domains of adolescent life. The similarly validated Bath Adolescent Pain Questionnaire for Parents (BAPQ-P) uses the same domains as the BAPQ, assessing the functioning and development of the adolescent from the parents' perspective.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study, planning to routinely collect BAPQ/BAPQ-P data at initial assessment and 6 months later. All patients aged between 5 and 19 attending our chronic pain clinic for the first time between December 2009 and December 2014 were mailed BAPQ and BAPQ-P questionnaires before the first appointment and 6 months after the first appointment.

Results

In total, 376 of 386 families returned questionnaires at time 0 and 96 after 6 months, 26% of those responded at time 0. We found statistically significant differences on patients' BAPQ questionnaires from 0 to 6 months showing improvement in all domains. A different result was found on parents' questionnaires where we only found a statistically significant difference on daily and emotional functioning. When comparing patient and parent questionnaires at 0 and 6 months, we found statistically significant differences between patients' and parents' questionnaires in the daily functioning and development domains.

Conclusion

We believe BAPQ and BAPQ-P measurement proved useful tools to assess response to pain management input in adolescents over a 6-month period. Our experience and results suggest that these tools can, with appropriate administrative support, be used in routine clinical practice to assess patient outcomes. We also believe that BAPQ and BAPQ-P measurements have a utility to audit pain clinic activity and potentially a use in demonstrating beneficial outcomes to commissioners.

Best-Evidence for the Rehabilitation of Chronic Pain Part 1: Pediatric Pain

Chronic pain is a prevalent and persistent problem in middle childhood and adolescence. The biopsychosocial model of pain, which accounts for the complex interplay of the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to and maintain pain symptoms and related disability has guided our understanding and treatment of pediatric pain. Consequently, many interventions for chronic pain are within the realm of rehabilitation, based on the premise that behavior has a broad and central role in pain management. These treatments are typically delivered by one or more providers in medicine, nursing, psychology, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy. Current data suggest that multidisciplinary treatment is important, with intensive interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation (IIPT) being effective at reducing disability for patients with high levels of functional disability. The following review describes the current state of the art of rehabilitation approaches to treat persistent pain in children and adolescents. Several emerging areas of interventions are also highlighted to guide future research and clinical practice.