Assessment, Communication and Management of Chronic Pain in Children and Young People: Current Challenges and Potential Interventions

Dear Colleagues,

Background and history of this topic:
Chronic pain in childhood and adolescence is a complex and still under-recognised health issue, with wide-ranging consequences for children and young people’s physical, psychological, and social development. The way pain is assessed, communicated about, and managed across healthcare, family, and educational contexts can significantly shape children and young people’s health outcomes and influence the long-term trajectory of chronic pain into adulthood.

Despite increasing recognition of the burden of paediatric chronic pain, substantial challenges remain. These include difficulties in reliably assessing pain in this group, wide variability in communication approaches, and persistent evidence of problematic communication approaches such as pain dismissal. Limited access to timely and effective pain management strategies further compounds these challenges, leaving many children and young people without the support they need.

Aim and scope of the Special Issue:
The aim of this Special Issue, “Assessment, Communication and Management of Chronic Pain in Children and Young People: Current Challenges and Potential Interventions”, is to highlight recent developments and innovative approaches in understanding, discussing, and addressing paediatric chronic pain. We are particularly interested in contributions that examine how pain is assessed and measured, how communication about pain occurs between young people, families, healthcare professionals, and across broader social circles, as well as how management strategies—pharmacological, physical, and psychological—can be better harnessed and communicated to improve children and young people's health outcomes.

Cutting-edge research:
We especially seek submissions that offer novel insights into innovative pain assessment tools (including digital pain assessment tools), communication frameworks that use strength-based language to promote validation, well-being, and shared understanding, and studies that advance knowledge of pain prevention strategies and early intervention. We especially seek submissions on how to address inequities in access to care.

What kind of papers are we soliciting:
We welcome a wide range of contributions, including original research articles (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods) as well as systematic and scoping reviews. Papers that translate research findings into clinical practice, highlight service innovations, and prioritise the voices of children, young people, and families will be particularly valued.

Dr. Rebecca Lee
Guest Editor

Dr. Carolyn Berryman
Co-Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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