Using a new pathway to manage unexplained pain in children with severe neurological impairments

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study implements the Pain and Irritability of Unknown Origin (PIUO) Pathway in community pediatric practices to evaluate and manage unexplained pain and irritability in children with severe neurological impairments who cannot communicate their pain. The pathway, previously used in specialized hospital settings, aims to train community pediatricians in British Columbia to effectively utilize this tool. By enhancing the clinical care for these vulnerable children, the study seeks to create a systematic approach to pain management that can be sustained in community settings. The research will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this implementation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Pain Pathway Intervention Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 6 months to 18 years with SNI (from any cause) with unexplained pain and irritability and whose cognitive or communication impairments prevent determination of pain location, cause, and type will be eligible to participate.
* Eligible children will have cognitive impairment or be non-verbal. Parents should have sufficient English skills, or have access to assistance, to participate in the clinic visits and complete survey tools.

Pain Pathway Intervention Exclusion Criteria:

* Children not within the specified age range
* Children with communication capabilities and cognitive development to localize their pain
* Children that have an explained and treatable cause of pain and irritability. Parents that do not have sufficient English skills, or have access to assistance, to participate in the clinic visits and complete survey tools.

Implementation Participant Inclusion Criteria:

* General pediatricians
* Practicing in a community clinic in British Columbia

Implementation Participant Exclusion Criteria:

\- Healthcare professionals who are not general pediatricians (e.g., pediatrician specialists, nurse practitioners, nurses, other allied health professionals)

Where it's running

• BC Children's Hospital
  Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hal Siden, MD — University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute
• Study coordinator: Sharon Hou, PhD
• Email: sharon.hou@bcchr.ca
• Phone: 604-875-2345

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.