NEW HOPE FOR KIDS IN PAIN
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA has received Telethon funding to pilot a West Australian first programme for children and adolescents with persistent pain conditions and their parents. Up to 40 young people plus their parents will be able to participate in the programme, which starts with a one-day pain education and self-management skills workshop. A half-day follow-up workshop will be held two-and-a -half weeks later when children and their parents will report on their progress. Participants will be split into two age groups – KOPE and Big KOPE (BIG Kids Overcoming Pain Education Programme) – with workshop materials tailored accordingly.
The workshops will run between October 2013 – February 2014.
Who is eligible?
Children (aged 8 to 12 years) and adolescents (aged 13 to 18) with non-cancer pain that has continued for more than three months. This could include headaches and migraines, abdominal, musculoskeletal pain and pain due to other chronic illnesses of childhood, such as juvenile arthritis. This pain is interfering with normal activities such as school, sport, social life and sleep, and moods. Parental involvement in the workshops is essential.
How does it work?
Parents and their child or adolescent attend at the start of the one-day workshop and then split into two groups – one for the young people and one for the parents.
The groups will be conducted by a multi-disciplinary specialist pain team of a psychologist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist, The groups will be co-facilitated by an adult and young person who both suffer from persistent pain and who have learned to manage their pain well.
Participants will then return two and a half weeks later for a half-day follow-up workshop and will report on their progress and gain further support from the KOPE team.
It is free to take part in the KOPE programme. However, participants are requested to participate in interviews which will assist in vital research and evaluation of the programme. Applicants will be assessed for suitability during interviews at AOWA.
The KOPE programme will be evaluated by an independent researcher from Curtin University’s School of Physiotherapy.
Yes, we’re interested in KOPE! How do we find out more?
KOPE welcomes referrals from specialist doctors, General Practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and school nurses or any other health professionals involved with children who experience persistent pain. Referrals should be done in collaboration with the child and their parents.
If you feel that your child or patient would benefit from attending KOPE, we would love to hear from you.
Call AOWA toll free on 1800 011 041 Contact KOPE Project Leader Jane Muirhead jane@easpain.com.au for enrolment and interview information.
