Now is the time to address the burden of long-term pain in children.
Joshua W. Pate, PhD, is a senior lecturer in physiotherapy, a senior physiotherapist, and pain science children’s book author of Zoe and Zak’s Pain Hacks. His research focus is on a child’s concept of pain; the way that pain’s definition and purposes and mechanisms are understood. Dr Josh is fascinated by how re-conceptualizing pain according to contemporary science may change the way pain is treated. As part of his PhD he developed the Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) and he is now working on developing and testing educational resources, particularly in schools. Dr Josh worked with TED-Ed to make two online animations with millions of views, he co-founded a pain science interview platform (‘One Thing’), and he is now a children’s book author of five books about pain. Josh dreams of generational conceptual and behavioural change regarding the complexity of pain.
His goal is simple: empower children to prevent pain from taking over their lives.
Talking Points
What if Kids Learnt about Pain at School?
Dr Josh explores cutting-edge health research with a special focus on pain science and paediatric care. By integrating clinical expertise with compelling narratives, Dr Josh illuminates the path towards a more informed and empathetic approach to health via preventative education.What if Kids Learnt about Pain at School?
Key Takeaways:
- Implications of neuroscience for everyday life, eg. not separating the body and mind so much, tangible evidence of how ‘change is possible’, examining the ‘metaphors we live by’.
- Strategies to deal with pain yourself and with others - practical tools and insights that emphasise the empowering role of education.
- Explore the potential benefits of early pain science education in improving long-term health and well-being
The Mysterious Science of Pain, for Kids!
Dr Josh will share research insights gained in the years since his PhD. This talk will feature an interactive live reading from the 2nd book in his recent children’s book series, “Zoe and Zak’s Pain Hacks”, inviting the audience to experience the narrative’s impact firsthand. Even a little light can change the volume of pain! Neuroscience can be masterfully packaged in a developmentally sensitive, and very fun, wrapper. Drawing on experiences engaging with the public via author visits, TED-Ed animations, and radio interviews, Dr Josh will pitch a potential conceptual revolution emerging based on the latest pain research. His vision involves technology-enhanced learning to empower the next generation.The Mysterious Science of Pain, for Kids!
Key Takeaways:
- Explore the biopsychosocial influences on every pain experience.
- Help children understand complex concepts like pain, making it less intimidating and more relatable.
- Empower children with knowledge about pain, helping them to demystify their experiences and develop a sense of control over their own health.
- Unravel innovative ways to integrate technology and research into education, particularly in the context of pain science, to foster a more informed generation.
- Inspire curiosity and critical thinking in children about their bodies and health, inspiring them to ask questions and seek out answers.
The Next Generation of Healthcare Enabled by AI
Dr Josh intertwines his expertise in pain science with paediatric care and the transformative potential of AI. This presentation offers a unique perspective on using AI chatbots in health research, emphasising the importance of patient-centred care and the role of education in empowering patients and professionals alike.The Next Generation of Healthcare Enabled by AI
Key Takeaways:
- Explore how AI and digital platforms can be utilized to enhance pain science education and make it more accessible and engaging for children.
- Understand key limitations of large language models such as imperfect reliability, and the implications of this for clinical decision-making.
- Personalise patient care by analysing data to tailor pain management plans, potentially leading to more effective and patient-specific outcomes.
- Acknowledge the potential importance of maintaining human oversight in healthcare
- Envision the future roles of healthcare professionals as AI becomes more integrated into the field.
The keynote from Dr Pate was the highlight of the conference. His passion for educating others about pain science, especially in children, was both inspiring and deeply informative. ... keep reading Australian Pain Society Conference
This was the most insightful talk I have heard in a long time. Josh's enthusiasm oozes from the stage and his curiosity about the incredible human brain is contagious!
Dr Josh was truly brilliant. He had the whole audience mesmerised!
As an educator, I found Dr Josh's session to be transformative. He had us all laughing, and he even did magic tricks to explain the latest neuroscience! His innovative approach to pain science education has already changed how I teach my own students.
