The Children’s Health & Illness Recovery Program (CHIRP): Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents With Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online June, 2013
The Children’s Health & Illness Recovery Program (CHIRP): Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents With Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Our goal was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a manualized treatment (CHIRP) for pediatric patients with chronic painful and fatiguing medical conditions in reducing symptoms and improving functioning. Participants included 26 clinical referrals with chronic pain and/or fatigue between the ages of 11 and 19, and their parent/guardian, who attended a 12-session manualized treatment employing a cognitive–behavioral systems-based intervention, along with strong advocacy for school-based accommodations. Pre- and postintervention ratings of pain, fatigue, and functional disability were obtained, along with helpfulness ratings in improving symptoms and functioning. Participants and parents reported highly favorable ratings of the helpfulness of the intervention in improving symptoms and overall daily functioning. Both participants and their parents reported significant improvements in pain, fatigue and functional disability. Pilot data indicate the CHIRP intervention appears to demonstrate considerable promise as an effective treatment for improving functioning in pediatric patients with these chronic conditions. Further controlled clinical trails are being planned.
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