Health related quality of life and factors predicting impairment following intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment among children with chronic pain.

Abstract

To examine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with chronic pain following intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT), and to identify risk factors for impaired HRQoL at discharge. Multi-center (2) secondary analysis study. Inpatient acute rehabilitation PARTICIPANTS: Children with chronic pain (N=269, age=16±3years, 79% females) admitted to one of two 4-week inpatient IIPT programs between November 2017 and February 2025. All patients participated in a 4-week IIPT program (average length of stay). The program aimed to improve physical function, reduce catastrophic thinking, and promote healthy habits through an interdisciplinary approach. Treatment included individual and group sessions in physical and occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, aqua therapy, and mindfulness, with a focus on endurance, strength, desensitization, and coping strategies. At admission and discharge from IIPT, patients completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Short Form (PedsQL-SF) and rated their pain intensity using a numerical pain rating scale. Patients reported significant improvements in mean PedsQL-SF scores (p<0.001), with an average increase of 21-points from admission to discharge. Additionally, significant gains were also observed across all sub-domains: physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Impaired HRQoL at discharge was significantly associated with lower PedsQL-SF scores at admission and number of pain diagnosis. Participation in IIPT may lead to meaningful improvements in HRQoL for children with chronic pain. Moreover, factors associated with impaired HRQoL may help tailor treatment and identify children who may benefit from continued support post-IIPT.