All children experience pain. Canada is a world leader in children's pain research, and effective treatments do exist, but this research evidence is not consistently mobilized into practice due to barriers and disjointed efforts. Canadian children subsequently suffer undertreated and preventable pain, leading to negative immediate and long-term health outcomes for children and families as well as detrimental impacts on the healthcare system.

Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) is a knowledge mobilization network, based at Dalhousie University and co-led by Children’s Healthcare Canada, that seeks to bridge the gap between current treatment practices and available evidence-based solutions for children's pain in Canadian health institutions. SKIP's vision is healthier Canadians through better pain management for children, with a mission to improve children's pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions through coordination and collaboration. SKIP brings together Canada's world-renowned pediatric pain research community, front-line knowledge user organizations and end beneficiaries.

Among the results

To increase understanding of knowledge user needs, assets and gaps, SKIP conducted a needs assessment. SKIP conducted readiness for change assessments, and summarized and organized current evidence and resources in priority areas.
SKIP increased access to effective pain management tools for diverse knowledge users. Using a “Patients Included” approach, SKIP co-produced and promoted knowledge mobilization tools for patients, caregivers, health professionals, administrators and policy makers. Tools included checklists, summaries, templated policies, videos, and other digital content. SKIP also led the first national health standard for Pediatric Pain Management.
SKIP improved institutional capacity to implement evidence-based pain management. Knowledge brokers situated at six SKIP hubs across the country served as change catalysts, engaged stakeholders, and helped health institutions access, adapt, and implement evidence. The number of Canadian institutions with ChildKind certification (a global indicator of institutional commitment and excellence in pediatric pain management) increased from only one in Canada in 2018 to five in 2024.
To improve public understanding about pain in children and its consequences, SKIP grew its online presence. SKIP’s website and social media raised awareness and increased access to resources. SKIP delivered presentations, participated in events for public and professional audiences, and engaged with the media.