Project Description
Principal-Investigator: Stinson, J.
Co-Investigator(s): Luca, N, Feldman, B, Bayoumi, A, Beaton, D, Benseler, S, Campillo, S, LeBlanc, C.
Funded by: Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), Canadian Arthritis Network – Discovery Advancement Program; 2012-2013
Background: Pain is the most common symptom in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Studies of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children with JIA show that those with higher levels of pain experience more problems with physical, emotional and social functioning. Pain assessment is the cornerstone of effective management. However, it can be challenging because pain is a subjective and multidimensional phenomenon and measures should include the sensory, affective and evaluative dimensions.
Objective: To determine the reliability, construct validity and responsiveness of the SUPER-KIDZ measures for the assessment of pain in children (4-18 years of age) with JIA.
Design: A prospective cohort study.
Procedure: 130 participants are being recruited from two metropolitan rheumatology clinics. A secure patient account will then be created on the SUPER-KIDZ website and study participants will complete the pain measure online. There are two study groups: (A) reliability of the tool will be determined in youth whose medical treatment is stable and (B) construct validity and responsiveness will be determined using youth undergoing steroid joint injections. Group A will complete an online questionnaire that takes about two to three minutes in clinic and global rating of change in pain question using a paper format. They will also be asked to complete the same online questionnaire from home one week after their clinic visit. Group B will complete a set of paper questionnaires that will take about 20-30 minutes and an online questionnaire that takes about two to three minutes in clinic. They will also complete the same online questionnaire from home the day before their scheduled joint injection and 7, 14 and 21 days after the injection.
Status: Recruitment is currently taking place at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto and Montreal Children’s Hospital in Montreal.