TWO YEARS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW INTERDISCIPLINARY PEDIATRIC CHRONIC PAIN PROGRAM: OPPORTUNITIES, INITIATIVES, AND CHALLENGES

“…The field of paediatric pain medicine has demonstrated the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration more than any other endeavour” (Law, Palermo, & Walco, 2013). Recently, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care announced the funding of specialty paediatric chronic pain programs in several children’s hospitals across the province of Ontario, including McMaster Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Chronic Pain Program includes Physicians (Pediatricians, Psychiatrist, Anesthesiologist), Psychologists, Child Life Specialist, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Social Workers, Pharmacist, and a Clinical Manager