This study is testing a new program called Empowered Relief for Caregivers (ER-CY), designed to support caregivers of children and teens who live with chronic pain. ER-CY is a single two-hour class delivered online. It teaches skills for managing the stress of caring for a child in pain and for responding to a child's pain in helpful ways.
Up to 80 caregivers of youth with chronic pain will take part in one ER-CY class and then complete surveys and a short interview over the following three months. The researchers want to learn two things: whether caregivers are willing and able to take part and find the program helpful and satisfying, and whether the program lowers caregiver distress and improves their child's day-to-day functioning. What is learned will help guide future programs and care for youth with chronic pain and their families.
Caregiver of a youth with a chronic pain diagnosis (>3 months in duration)
English speaking
Significant psychosocial complexity based on clinical team assessment (e.g., severe depression/anxiety, unable to tolerate a group setting)