Jordi Miró

Doctor in Psychology. Professor of Health Psychology at Rovira i Virgili University (RVU) and ICREA-Academia distinguished researcher. He is the Director of the Unit for the Study and Treatment of Pain at RVU, and the Director of the Masters in General Health Psychology at the same university. He is one of the principal investigators of the Campus of International Excellence Southern Catalonia (CEICS). Prof. Miró is the principal investigator of ALGOS, a consolidated research group which is focus on pain and recognized by the Government of Catalunya. He is the coordinator of the Iberoamerican Network for the Study and Treatment of Child Pain. He has received several awards for his research on pain. Recently, he awarded the recognition of research excellence by the Government of Catalunya (ICREA-Academy, in its latest edition), and the prize for his research career in child pain by Fundolor. He has also received awards for the results of research by the Prince Foundation of Girona and the Mobile World Capital Barcelona, for technological developments to facilitate the assessment and treatment of people with chronic pain.

Child Chronic pain is a serious public health problem. Available studies show that between 20 and 30% of children and young people report chronic pain problems. Recent reports reflect an increase in prevalence rates that reach double or triple, depending on the age groups, the levels detected 40 years ago. The experience of pain hits, sometimes significantly, the quality of life for all; no doubt, an adolescent who experiences it in first person, but also their family, friends, colleagues... The treatment for adolescents with chronic pain has improved considerably in recent years. Indeed, it seems we have managed to overcome the dramatic step in which the same health specialists doubted the existence of child chronic pain, even the perception of pain by children. Although the progress is evident, much remains to be done. Challenges are extraordinary and fascinating at the same time. Through this process of improving the knowledge and skills of psychology and psychologists, these are fundamental, essential. Throughout this conference, we will discuss the current situation of treatment of children/adolescents with chronic pain, both internationally and nationally. Especially, we will explore alternatives we have to move forward. Answers to essential questions: What to do? When? And How? are an essential part of the presentation.