The effects of psychosocial aftercare following pediatric chronic pain treatment withstand the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial
Abstract. Introduction:. Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) is the best therapy available for children and adolescents affected by severe chronic pain. Psychosocial aftercare (PAC) offered for 6 months after IIPT can improve treatment outcomes for up to 12 months. Objectives:. The cur...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer
2025-02-01
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| Series: | PAIN Reports |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/painrpts/fulltext/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001226 |
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| Summary: | Abstract. Introduction:. Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) is the best therapy available for children and adolescents affected by severe chronic pain. Psychosocial aftercare (PAC) offered for 6 months after IIPT can improve treatment outcomes for up to 12 months.
Objectives:. The current study is the first to explore whether PAC is superior to treatment as usual at a long-term follow-up of 18 to 33 months after discharge—including when facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods:. A multicenter randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of PAC with follow-up assessments in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 209). Multilevel models and regression analyses explored long-term treatment effects on pain characteristics and psychological outcomes, associations of pandemic-related burden with these outcomes, and whether pandemic-related burden moderates those effects.
Results:. Patients who received PAC significantly improved treatment outcomes concerning pain characteristics and psychological well-being 18 to 33 months after IIPT discharge. A COVID-19 infection among family members or peers was associated with a lower probability of having chronic pain at long-term follow-up, whereas having missed or rescheduled health care appointments was associated with a higher probability. Positive evaluations of family time during the pandemic were associated with better psychological well-being. Regardless of pandemic-related burdens, PAC had similarly better outcomes than treatment as usual. Only for anxiety, greater burdens mitigated the advantages of PAC.
Conclusion:. Despite adverse circumstances, PAC retained its superiority long-term. Integrating PAC into routine health care to support families after IIPT should be prioritized to yield enduring treatment effects, acting as a buffer against the impacts of unpredictable adverse events. |
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| ISSN: | 2471-2531 |