Online multidisciplinary interventions for paediatric chronic pain: A content analysis

Abstract

Background Many online interventions for paediatric chronic pain have been developed and evaluated. In accordance with the biopsychosocial model, the recommended treatment approach for chronic pain is multidisciplinary. Despite this, multidisciplinary components within existing online interventions have not been examined. The objective of the present review was to summarise and evaluate the content of existing online interventions for paediatric chronic pain by mapping intervention content to evidence‐based guidelines for chronic pain management. Methods Interventions were identified using an updated systematic review. Nine chronic pain management strategies that reflect evidence‐based guidance for multidisciplinary chronic pain management were defined by the authors, examples of which include ‘pain education’, ‘activity pacing’ and ‘physiotherapy’. Identified interventions were then coded against the target strategies. These codes were compiled descriptively to provide an overview of how well each chronic pain management strategy was represented across the dataset, and which interventions represented the most strategies. Results Thirty‐five articles, relating to 13 unique interventions for paediatric chronic pain management were identified; few encompassed a complete multidisciplinary approach. Many CBT‐based interventions included multidisciplinary elements. Across interventions, physiotherapy and non‐pharmacological physical therapies were the least represented chronic pain management strategies. Conclusions The content analysis revealed a lack of online interventions encompassing complete multidisciplinary pain management. It is important that new interventions for paediatric chronic pain management are evidence‐based and reflect current best practice guidelines. Established intervention development approaches should be utilised and include a process evaluation to help identify which intervention components are effective in which contexts. Significance This content analysis of online interventions for paediatric chronic pain highlights the need for multidisciplinary practices in pain management to be translated into online interventions. Improving the availability of pain management resources is essential for many families who cannot attend specialist pain clinics, particularly in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is potential for new resources, as well as for established resources, to be further developed to deliver a broader range of pain management content.

“We survived the pandemic together”: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian families living with chronic pain

“… 24 These findings highlight the importance of ensuring that individuals with chronic conditions continue to have stable access to various therapies even amidst public health crises. 64 Utilization of virtual telemedicine can help to improve access for some individuals, 65 , 66 but such online interventions must include evidence-based, multidisciplinary pain management supports 64 and, as highlighted in our analysis, virtual care may not always be a suitable alternative.…”