Pain and Irritability in Non-Verbal Children (PIUO)
Pain, Neuropathic Pain, Irritability
About this trial
This is an interventional health services research trial for Pain
Eligibility Criteria
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 and have severe levels of disability equivalent to Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) scores of 3, 4 or 5.
- Eligible children will score >3 on two scales administered via an Eligibility Screening that measures persistence and distress level the child is experiencing as well as identifies the type of pain and irritability as PIUO - with no obvious cause or explanation. The score of >3 on the scale measuring pain persistence and distress level confirms that the child is experiencing pain and irritability more than "a little" on "some days".
- Parents should have sufficient English/French language skill, or have access to assistance, to participate in the clinic visits and complete survey tools.
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 who do not speak one of Canada's two official languages (English or French)
Sites / Locations
- BC Children's Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Other
No Intervention
Pathway
Waitlist
The PIUO Pathway is implemented by clinicians (MD and RN) with expertise in treating pain in children. Each participant proceeds through the PIUO Pathway as long as their pain persists, but will exit the PIUO Pathway at any stage in case their pain is resolved. The Pathway has two steps: Step 1 is a thorough history and patient evaluation, including directed testing. Step 2 is a series of screening tests to further explore any potential underlying disease or injury not apparent based on history and physical examination.
Participants randomized to the Waitlist will cross over to the Pathway after 8 weeks.