PANDA Feasibility Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
improving Pain mAnagement for childreN and young people attendeD by Ambulance (PANDA): A pragmatic cluster randomised feasibility trial assessing standard care plus the PANDA Intervention versus standard care to reduce pain severity for children and young people attended by paramedics.
IRAS ID
369084
Contact name
Gregory Whitley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 28 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Each year in England approximately 86,000 children and young people (CYP) under 18 years of age are transported by ambulance to emergency departments with acute pain. The pain may have been caused by injuries such as wounds, burns or broken bones, or by illnesses such as tummy pain. Treating pain in CYP attended by ambulance is very challenging and research studies have shown that around 60% do not have their pain treated effectively. Without effective pain treatment, CYP may suffer adverse consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
AIM: The aim of the PANDA Feasibility Trial is to assess the acceptability of the PANDA intervention and the feasibility of conducting a future large scale clinical trial.
METHODS: Building on the previous stages of the PANDA Study where we developed a staff behaviour change intervention, a feasibility trial will be performed within the East Midlands Ambulance Service. We will recruit 30 paramedics and randomise them to provide standard care, or standard care plus they will receive the PANDA Intervention. The PANDA Intervention includes: 1) a bespoke 30-minute online pain management education and training package, 2) automated feedback on their clinical practice, 3) a pocket prompt sheet, and 4) a children’s distraction kit (bravery stickers and sensory toys) for use at the paramedic’s discretion. We aim to enrol 45 CYP. A model of deferred consent will be used and the parent/carer and CYP will be notified of the study at the earliest appropriate opportunity. Those enrolled will have the option to opt out, or provide informed consent for ongoing data usage, interview participation, and follow up at 1 and 3 months. This trial is very safe - no changes to pain medication or medical devices will be made and all distraction kit toys will be CE/UKCA marked.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0074
Date of REC Opinion
14 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion