A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Pain Training for Respite Workers Supporting Children With Disabilities Part Two: Training Evaluations and the Impact of Training on Knowledge Application

Abstract

Within a parallel-group randomized control trial, pain training's impact on Respite Workers' (RW) care approaches and training evaluations was explored. RW (n = 158) from 14 organizations received pain or control training following randomization. Researchers were blind until randomization; allocations were not shared explicitly with organizations/participants. Participants completed a strategy use questionnaire immediately before and an evaluation immediately after training completion. Four-to-6 weeks later, participants completed the strategy use questionnaire and semistructured focus groups. No differences in pain approaches were noted in strategy use questionnaires. Per focus groups, both groups acquired a “knowing” about pain and applied pain-related care approaches in similarly. Pain training participants identified need for “growing and strengthening” pain knowledge. Training endorsements were favorable. RW pain training has value and may impact practice.

Special issue on pain and intellectual and developmental disabilities

“…We are encouraged by recent work; for example, a pain assessment toolbox and clinical practice points specific to pain in children with physical disabilities were developed and disseminated, 11,12 pain education programs have been developed for caregivers and tested for effectiveness, [13][14][15] and while still severely limited, studies are starting to emerge focused on understanding pain management approaches in this population. [16][17][18][19][20] This special issue features important and diverse research spanning pain prevalence, assessment, and management in children with IDD.…”

“…As a field, we need to address these practice gaps as we also pursue scientific efforts to inform pain management approaches for children with IDD. We are encouraged by recent work; for example, a pain assessment toolbox and clinical practice points specific to pain in children with physical disabilities were developed and disseminated, 11 , 12 pain education programs have been developed for caregivers and tested for effectiveness, 13 , 14 , 15 and while still severely limited, studies are starting to emerge focused on understanding pain management approaches in this population. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 …”