RecruitingInterventional

Feasibility trial assessing the management of acute pain in children and young people attended by ambulance using the PANDA intervention

This study is exploring how ambulance crews can better manage pain for children and young people in an emergency. Many young patients experience pain due to injuries or illness, and often their pain isn't well controlled. This can lead to longer-term problems like stress. The PANDA study is testing a new approach, which includes special training for paramedics, personalised feedback, a pocket guide, and a pack of distraction toys for children. Researchers want to see if this new approach is helpful and whether a larger study should be done in the future. The aim is to find better ways to ease children's pain and make their journey to the hospital more comfortable.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Pain management

What is this study about?

Every year in England, a significant number of children and young people are taken to hospital by ambulance because they are in pain. This pain can be from accidents, like cuts or broken bones, or from illnesses, such as stomach aches. While ambulance staff do their best, research shows that many children don't get the pain relief they need when they're picked up by an ambulance. This can be distressing for them and might even lead to lasting issues, like feeling very stressed after the event.

This study, called PANDA, aims to look at better ways to help children and young people who are in pain when an ambulance is called. It's a 'feasibility trial', which means the main goal isn't to prove that the new method definitely works everywhere, but to see if it's practical and acceptable for ambulance staff to use, and if it's worth doing a much bigger study later on. They want to understand if the PANDA approach could really make a difference to how pain is managed for young patients.

The PANDA approach involves a few different parts. It includes special online training for paramedics on how to manage children's pain more effectively, along with feedback on how they're doing. Paramedics will also get a handy pocket guide and a 'distraction kit' containing things like stickers and small toys. The idea is that these tools could help distract children from their pain and make them feel more comfortable during what can be a very scary time.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve pain relief for children and young people in ambulances.
Tests a new approach (PANDA) for paramedics.
Involves specific training, guidance, and distraction toys.
Low risk, with no changes to medical treatments.
Aims to see if a larger study is practical.
Participation is voluntary and won't affect care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for three main groups of people to take part. Firstly, it needs paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service who are fully qualified, work full-time, and are regularly involved in face-to-face patient care. These paramedics will be the ones trying out the new PANDA approach.

Secondly, the study involves children and young people under 18 years old who are experiencing pain when an East Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic involved in the study attends to them. This means any child or young person under 18 who is in pain and is seen by one of the study's paramedics could potentially be part of the research.

Finally, parents and carers (aged 16 or over) of these children and young people are also invited to take part, specifically for interviews to share their views and experiences.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a child or young person under 18?
Are you experiencing pain in an emergency?
Are you attended by an East Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic?
Are your parents/carers aged 16 or over and willing to participate if chosen for interviews?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a paramedic is part of the study, they will either continue to provide standard care or use the new PANDA approach. The PANDA approach involves using a special online training package, getting feedback on their practice, and using a pocket guide and a 'distraction kit' with stickers and sensory toys during ambulance calls.

For children and young people, if a study paramedic attends to them while they are in pain, they might be included in the study. Consent for this will be discussed with parents/carers and young people when it's appropriate. If they agree to take part, there's an option to participate in interviews about their experiences and to be followed up at 1 month and 3 months after the ambulance call. There will be no changes to any medicines or medical equipment they would usually receive. The entire study with patients is anticipated to run between June 2026 and February 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is considered to be very low risk. No changes will be made to any pain medicines or medical devices your child receives. The main new thing for patients will be the possible use of a 'distraction kit' in the ambulance, which contains bravery stickers and sensory toys. All toys in the kit are tested and approved for safety. There is a small risk that a distraction toy could cause an unforeseen issue, but this has been carefully considered with input from various safety experts and patient groups. Possible benefits include your child feeling more comfortable due to improved pain relief without medicine, and you and your child feeling more satisfied with the ambulance care. Everyone is free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting the care they receive.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Unverified
Nottingham, England

Common questions

What is the PANDA Intervention?

It's a new approach for ambulance paramedics when helping children in pain. It includes special training, feedback, a quick-guide sheet, and a pack of safe distraction toys like stickers.

Who is funding this study?

The study is funded by a UK organisation called the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Will my child's treatment change if we take part?

No, your child's medical treatment or medications will not be changed because of this study. The new intervention focuses on additional ways to manage pain and distract children.

What does 'feasibility trial' mean?

It means the study is mainly testing if the PANDA approach is practical, acceptable, and if it makes sense to do a much larger study in the future to see how effective it is on a wider scale.

Can I choose not to participate even if my child is eligible?

Yes, you or your child (if old enough) can choose not to take part or to withdraw at any time. This decision will not affect the medical care your child receives.

How to find out more

Research Team

researchteam@emas.nhs.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.