Background Multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities (MPTFs) are considered the optimal settings for the management of chronic pain (CP). This study aimed (1) to determine the distribution of MPTFs across Canada, (2) to document time to access and types of services, and (3) to compare the results to those obtained in 2005–2006. Methods This cross-sectional study used the same MPTF definition as in 2005–2006—that is, a clinic staffed with professionals from a minimum of three different disciplines (including at least one medical specialty) and whose services were integrated within the facility. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify existing MPTFs across Canada. Administrative leads at each MPTF were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding their facilities. Results Questionnaires were completed by 104 MPTFs (response rate 79.4%). Few changes were observed in the distribution of MPTFs across Canada compared with 12 years ago. Most (91.3%) are concentrated in large urban cities. Prince Edward Island and the Territories still lack MPTFs. The number of pediatric-only MPTFs has nearly doubled but remains small (n=9). The median wait time for a first appointment in publicly funded MPTFs is about the same as 12 years ago (5.5 vs 6 months). Small but positive changes were also observed. Conclusion Accessibility to public MPTFs continues to be limited in Canada, resulting in lengthy wait times for a first appointment. Community-based MPTFs and virtual care initiatives to distribute pain services into regional and remote communities are needed to provide patients with CP with optimal care.

Children living with chronic comorbid conditions are at increased risk for severe COVID-19, though there is limited evidence regarding the risks associated with specific conditions and which children may benefit from targeted COVID-19 therapies. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with severe disease among hospitalized children with COVID-19 in Canada. We conducted a national prospective study on hospitalized children with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection via the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) from April 2020–May 2021. Cases were reported voluntarily by a network of >2800 paediatricians. Hospitalizations were classified as COVID-19-related, incidental infection, or infection control/social admissions. Severe disease (among COVID-19-related hospitalizations only) was defined as disease requiring intensive care, ventilatory or hemodynamic support, select organ system complications, or death. Risk factors for severe disease were identified using multivariable Poisson regression, adjusting for age, sex, concomitant infections, and timing of hospitalization. We identified 544 children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including 60·7% with COVID-19-related disease and 39·3% with incidental infection or infection control/social admissions. Among COVID-19-related hospitalizations (n=330), the median age was 1·9 years (IQR 0·1–13·3) and 43·0% had chronic comorbid conditions. Severe disease occurred in 29·7% of COVID-19-related hospitalizations (n=98/330 including 60 admitted to intensive care), most frequently among children aged 2-4 years (48·7%) and 12-17 years (41·3%). Comorbid conditions associated with severe disease included pre-existing technology dependence requirements (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 2·01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·37-2·95), body mass index Z-scores ≥3 (aRR 1·90, 95% CI 1·10-3·28), neurologic conditions (e.g. epilepsy and select chromosomal/genetic conditions) (aRR 1·84, 95% CI 1·32-2·57), and pulmonary conditions (e.g. bronchopulmonary dysplasia and uncontrolled asthma) (aRR 1·63, 95% CI 1·12-2·39). While severe outcomes were detected at all ages and among patients with and without comorbidities, neurologic and pulmonary conditions as well as technology dependence were associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19. These findings may help guide vaccination programs and prioritize targeted COVID-19 therapies for children. Financial support for the CPSP was received from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Background: Leading authorities in North America recommend universal screening via total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurement or transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) for kernicterus prevention. We assessed costs associated with these 2 screening methods in hospital and in urban and rural community settings. Methods: Our tertiary care centre in Saskatoon, with about 5600 births per year, serves the local population of 300 000; in addition, 30% of patients are referred from outside the local community and surrounding area. We obtained health administrative data for two 6-month periods: before (June 1 to Nov. 30, 2015 [TSB program]) and after (June 1 to Nov. 30, 2016 [TcB–TSB program]) implementation of universal screening with TcB. Data on nurses’ time and mileage were collected to assess the mean time for screening and sample transportation. We performed a cost-minimization analysis. Results: The observed requirement for TSB blood draws decreased by 71.4% after implementation of TcB (1383.2/1000 live births to 397.8/1000 live births), whereas the overall number of screens increased from 1383.2 to 2758.6/1000 live births. The mean time per screen decreased from 12.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.44–14.59) minutes with TSB to 2.94 (95% CI 2.55–3.33) minutes with TcB (p < 0.001). The estimated cost per TcB screen in hospital and community (urban and rural) settings was $3.54 and $3.76, respectively, and the estimated cost per TSB screen in hospital and in urban and rural community settings was $15.82, $50.21 and $65.03, respectively. The estimated overall 6-month savings with the TcB–TSB hospital and community programs were $19 760 and $6417, respectively. Interpretation: The TcB–TSB program reduced nurses’ time to screen and provided immediate results at the point of care. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry reduced the requirement for painful heel pokes while improving access to screening and decreasing the overall program cost.

Painful experiences are common among hospitalized children. Long-term negative biopsychosocial consequences of undertreated pain are recognized.The study benchmarks pain prevalence, assessment, and... Contexte: Les expériences douloureuses sont courantes chez les enfants hospitalisés. Les conséquences biopsychosociales négatives à long terme d'une douleur sous-traitée sont reconnues.Objectifs: L...

This study describes the minimum incidence of pediatric complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), clinical features, and treatments recommended by pediatricians and pain clinics in Canada. Participants in the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program reported new cases of CRPS aged 2 to 18 years monthly and completed a detailed case reporting questionnaire from September 2017 to August 2019. Descriptive analysis was completed, and the annual incidence of CRPS by sex and age groupings was estimated. A total of 198 cases were reported to the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, and 168 (84.8%) met the case definition. The minimum Canadian incidence of CRPS is estimated at 1.14/100,000 (95% confidence interval 0.93-1.35/100,000) children per year. Incidence was highest among girls 12 years and older (3.10, 95% confidence interval 2.76-3.44/100,000). The mean age of CRPS diagnosis was 12.2 years (SD = 2.4), with the mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis of 5.6 months (SD = 9.9) and no known inciting event for 19.6% of cases. Most cases had lower limb involvement (79.8%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (82.7%) and acetaminophen (66.0%) were prescribed more commonly than antiepileptic drugs (52.3%) and antidepressants (32.0%). Referrals most commonly included physical therapy (83.3%) and multidisciplinary pain clinics (72.6%); a small number of patients withdrew from treatment because of pain exacerbation (5.3%). Pain education was recommended for only 65.6% of cases. Treatment variability highlights the need for empiric data to support treatment of pediatric CRPS and development of treatment consensus guidelines.

Pediatric chronic pain is a significant problem in Canada, affecting one in five youth. This study describes the impact of the pandemic on the experiences of Canadian families living with chronic p...