Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Development of a Novel Task-oriented Rehabilitation Program using a Bimanual Exoskeleton Robotic Hand
Published on: May 20, 2020
Development of an Interdisciplinary Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Program: The First 1000 Consecutive Patients
Barbara K Bruce1, Karen E Weiss1, Chelsea M Ale1
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Insights
This study shows that a pediatric pain rehabilitation program significantly reduced disability and depression in young patients. The program also helped most patients discontinue opioid use, demonstrating its clinical success.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Pain management
- Rehabilitation sciences
Background:
- Pediatric chronic pain is a significant challenge, impacting function and mental health.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are crucial for effective pediatric pain management.
- Developing successful interdisciplinary programs requires careful planning and evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the development of a successful interdisciplinary pediatric pain rehabilitation program.
- To present clinical and demographic data for the first 1000 program participants.
- To assess the program's impact on pain-related disability, depression, and opioid use.
Main Methods:
- A 3-week hospital-based outpatient program for patients aged 9-24 years.
- Inclusion of substantial parental involvement in treatment.
- Assessment using validated scales for depression, functional disability, and pain catastrophizing.
- Monitoring of opioid use at admission and discharge.
Main Results:
- Patients reported significant pre-program disability, depression, and pain catastrophizing.
- Post-program, functional disability scores decreased from 27 to 9 (P<.001).
- Depression and pain catastrophizing scores significantly improved (P<.001).
- 16% of patients were on opioids at admission; all but 4 successfully tapered off by discharge.
Conclusions:
- Multidisciplinary pediatric pain rehabilitation programs are clinically effective.
- These programs lead to significant reductions in disability and depressive symptoms.
- Successful discontinuation of opioid use is achievable through such programs.
Objective:
To describe the development of a clinically and financially successful interdisciplinary pediatric pain rehabilitation program at a large tertiary academic medical center and present demographic and clinical information on the first 1000 patients.
Patients And Methods:
All patients who were consecutively admitted to this program between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2015 were included in this review. The patients ranged in age from 9 to 24 years. The program is a 3-week, hospital-based outpatient treatment program that requires substantial parental involvement. At admission and discharge, patients completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale for Children, the Functional Disability Inventory, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children. Opioid use was also assessed.
Results:
At admission, patients reported substantial pain-associated disability and depressive symptoms; they had elevated pain catastrophizing scores, and 16% were taking opioids. Primary sites/types of pain included head, abdomen, and generalized. Functional disability scores decreased significantly, from 27 to 9 after the program (P<.001). Depression scale scores improved from 27 to 14 (P<.001). Pain catastrophizing scores decreased significantly, from 26 to 14 (P<.001), at discharge from the program. All but 4 patients successfully tapered off of all opioid use by the conclusion of the program.
Conclusion:
Participation in a multidisciplinary pediatric pain rehabilitation program can be successful, with significant decreases in disability, depression symptoms, and pain catastrophizing, as well as discontinuation of opioid use.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...