A new approach to treating young people who may be experiencing chronic pain, and struggling to participate in everyday activities, has been described by one parent as “life-changing”. The pilot scheme, pioneered at BH, using a multidisciplinary approach and group sessions, has been warmly received by patients and their families. In the past patients with the most complex needs would need to be referred to a specialist national service. But the scheme has enabled these patients, who may experience a number of issues which can reduce their ability to participate in everyday life, including going to school, socialising and even their mobility, to be treated locally. Patients were seen in a new MDT clinic which included a paediatrician, a mental health expert and physiotherapist, in order to determine the best course of treatment. Each patient had an hour and a half appointment with all three professionals present, resulting in more productive conversations. Nikki Thorpe, children’s musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical lead, said: “The patients were assessed and then we discussed potential solutions, from physiotherapy to psychological support. We also offered group sessions, devised by Danielle Fineman, clinical specialist paediatric physiotherapist, which we call Body and Mind Matters!. “Patients could bring a parent with them to each group session. We ran five two-hour sessions which were physiotherapy led but we adopted an acceptance and commitment therapy approach.” Young people being supported to step back into their lives Patients and families were supported in many different areas including developing routines, healthy sleep patterns, relaxation and mindfulness, resilience, building support networks and working towards integrating back into school. One parent said their child was now walking again and going to the gym with friends: “The support group your team ran has been life-changing for us and the concepts and tools over the five sessions have been invaluable. As a parent I was at a loss as to how to support my child but your team have helped us so much and for that I am truly grateful.” Debra Silver, children’s physiotherapist and clinical lead for children and young people’s physiotherapy and dietetic services, said as many as 50-75 young people a year could benefit from this tailored support at BH each year. She said: “Staff thrive delivering this kind of work. We know this is a much more effective and joined up approach and are now seeking to make this, or similar, the standard pathway for these young patients going forward.” 9 L-R: Nourane Khoweiled, speciality doctor psychiatry, Nikki Thorpe, children’s MSK clinical lead, Debra Silver, children’s physiotherapist, and Elliott Cheng, paediatric consultant Your team have helped us so much and for that I am truly grateful “ “
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