Although a significant number of children experience chronic pain problems, chronic pain in children does not receive the attention that it deserves; the World Health Organization recognizes that pediatric pain is not being adequately addressed, warns about the lack of specific protocols for this population and calls for stronger action from politicians and specialists.

This lack of attention to children’s pain problems in Spain is reflected by the fact that there are a number of units that deal with cases of chronic pain in adults, but no major units of similar characteristics that deal with cases of chronic pain in children.

The aim of the Fourth Forum on Pediatric Pain is to bring to the fore the reality of the problems of assessing and treating pain in children and adolescents, present the progress that has been made in recent years and the resources that are available for addressing these problems.

In the study and treatment of pediatric pain, various professional disciplines converge. Since the first edition, this Forum has focused on encouraging professional collaboration and interdisciplinarity. To a large extent this approach reflects an idea that underlies the organization of this conference: that is, we can do more and better things together than in isolation. Hence, the theme of the conference: different perspectives, one goal. In short, we seek to promote the study and treatment of pain in children to help improve the quality of life of all those involved, the children themselves but also their families.

As in previous editions, the meeting is organized by ALGOS, but we also have the support of other groups, researchers and stakeholders. We trust that this new edition will continue to attract the interest of clinicians and researchers. We look forward to meeting you on 30-31 May and 1 June 2013 in Tarragona.

Dr. Jordi Miró
Director
IV Jornadas Internacionales de Dolor Infantil