The Abdominal Pain Program at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics is an interdisciplinary program that includes clinical service, research and education. We understand pain to be biological/physical in nature, but know that pain can be influenced by the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and coping skills of the individual. Abdominal pain often is a complex interaction of the mind and the body.

Program Mission Statement

The Abdominal Pain Program (APP) views abdominal pain from a variety of perspectives (e.g., biological, psychological, environmental) with the understanding that pain is generated and maintained through the interaction of these factors.

The APP aims to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, team approach to both the treatment of a child's abdominal pain and to the pursuit of safe and ethical research to advance clinical care.