Innovative Program to Prevent Pediatric Chronic Postsurgical Pain: Patient Partner Feedback on Intervention...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Pain Management
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing increase pediatric chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) risk.
• Current interventions for these factors are often brief and educational.
• A psychologist-delivered perioperative psychological program (PPP) aims to mitigate these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a psychologist-delivered perioperative psychological program (PPP).
• To identify and target psychological risk factors for pediatric CPSP.
• To improve patient self-efficacy in pain management.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with pediatric patients and caregivers regarding surgical/pain experiences.
• Incorporation of patient partner feedback into program development.
• Reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes for program content.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: caregiver involvement, pain management strategies (psychological/physical), biopsychosocial pain education, intervention structure, and supporting materials.
• These themes were integrated into the PPP's content and implementation.
• Patient and caregiver input directly shaped the program's components.

Conclusions:

• A novel psychologist-led PPP shows promise for reducing pediatric CPSP and improving outcomes.
• Integrating patient partner feedback ensures program relevance and acceptability.
• The PPP aims to enhance postoperative outcomes and family well-being.