Contents and delivery methods of pain neuroscience education in pediatrics: A scoping review.

Background: Pain is prevalent among children and adolescents. The development and implementation of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) strategies tailored to this population remains overlooked in contrast to the adult population.

Objective: This study sought to identify the content, delivery methods, and dosage of PNE for children and adolescents available in the literature.

Method: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and clinical trial registration databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that involved children submitted to a PNE program in community, school, clinics, hospitals or child development centers. We considered studies that included children with and without pain who received PNE strategies associated or not with self-motivational interventions. Studies focusing on psychological interventions were excluded. We extracted data on authors, publication year, country, sample characteristics, health condition, PNE content, study design, context, outcomes, duration, follow-up, main results, dropout, and adverse effects. Data extracted were qualitatively organized.

Results: A total of 805 studies were initially reviewed. The final sample comprised 17 studies. Common PNE topics included pain neurophysiology, biopsychosocial influences, pain concepts, self-management, and coping strategies. Delivery methods ranged from slideshows and videos to booklets, with sessions lasting 8-60 min. Schools were the most common setting for these interventions.

Conclusion: Our review demonstrates the diversity in PNE content, delivery methods, and intervention dosages among the included studies. Most studies occurred in school settings, potentially limiting its generalizability for clinical contexts.