A New Paradigm for Treating Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Children

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Project Abstract John M. Hollier, MD, a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine who seeks to obtain essential skills and mentored research experience for an independent career as a pediatric clinical researcher utilizing health technologies. Many health outcomes are affected by poor medication adherence, ill-advised health behaviors, and poor access to medical care. The candidate’s career goal is to conquer these barriers by harnessing the potential of current (e.g., mobile) and future technologies as tools to fulfill these endeavors. Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) affect up to 15% of school- age children (and adults) worldwide and are associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Up to 60% of children with FAPDs go on to have similar conditions as adults. Many affected children suffer from psychosocial distress like anxiety and depression. The most effective treatment for these disorders (psychological interventions) remains out of reach for most children with FAPDs. The applicant proposes to refine his innovative mobile application (App) prototype designed to remotely deliver audio-recorded guided imagery therapy (ARGIT App) for pediatric patients with FAPDs using accepted technology development techniques. The applicant has employed a user-centered design approach with patients and providers to develop a refined ARGIT App (Specific Aim 1). This extension will focus on the grant’s final two Specific Aims: 2) Conduct a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial comparing treatment with guided imagery therapy (GIT) versus usual care in children with FAPDs. The GIT sessions will be delivered remotely via the refined ARGIT App over eight weeks. 3) Assess the acceptability of the refined ARGIT App among affected children and their caregivers through qualitative interviews. Dr. Hollier has assembled a multidisciplinary team of esteemed NIH-funded mentors and collaborators with diverse expertise in mobile health App development, clinical trial methodology, qualitative research methods, and health behavior change specialists. In addition, the candidate will acquire additional training through workshops and conferences to increase his knowledge base of chronic pain, community-based participatory research, non-pharmacological technology-based therapeutics for pain, and professional development supporting grant writing and research team management. The scientific training and educational opportunities afforded by this grant will lead to publications, scientific data, and experience that will enhance the candidate’s fund of knowledge for securing independent NIH funding as a physician-scientist specializing in health technologies.