Predictive Factors of Chronic Pediatric Pain and Disability: A Delphi Poll

The purpose of this study was to establish consensus on the factors that predict chronic pediatric pain and pain-related disability. A Delphi poll involving 2 rounds of data collection was used as a way to reach consensus among professionals with a specific interest in chronic pain in children and adolescents. Factors that had the greatest influence on long-term maintenance of pediatric pain included: Excessive use of heath care services; a tendency to somatize; and children’s catastrophizing. Factors that had the greatest influence on long-term disability included: Children’s self-concept as being disabled; a hesitance to perform exercise because of fear of a potential injury; and children’s catastrophizing. These findings may help identify the specific items to be assessed in studies designed to predict which children are at risk to develop chronic pain and disability. If supported by further research, these results may ultimately help develop intervention programs that could prevent long-term pain in disability in children and adolescents.PerspectiveA Delphi poll was conducted to reach consensus among professionals with a specific interest in chronic pain among children and adolescents, regarding the factors associated with the development of chronic pediatric pain and disability. This study could serve as the basis for (1) prospective studies to validate the predictive utility of the variables; and (2) the design of secondary prevention programs.