# A New Paradigm for Treating Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Children

> **NIH NIH K23** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $183,773

## Abstract

Project Abstract
John M. Hollier, MD, a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College
of Medicine who seeks to obtain essential skills and mentored research experience for an independent career
as a pediatric clinical researcher utilizing health technologies. Many aspects of medicine are affected by
poor medication adherence, ill-advised health behaviors, and poor access to medical care. The candidate’s
career goal is to conquer these barriers by harnessing the potential of current (e.g., mobile) and future
technologies as tools to fulfill these endeavors. Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) affect up to
20% of school-age children (and adults) worldwide and are associated with significant morbidity and health
care costs. Up to 60% of children with FAPDs go on to have similar conditions as adults. Many affected
children suffer from psychosocial distress like anxiety and depression. The most effective treatment for these
disorders (psychological interventions) remains out of reach for most children with FAPDs. The applicant
proposes to refine his innovative mobile application (App) prototype designed to remotely deliver audio-
recorded guided imagery therapy (ARGIT App) for pediatric patients with FAPDs using accepted technology
development techniques. Specific Aims: 1) Refine our ARGIT App prototype’s design, operation, and GIT
session content via patient, caregiver, and expert stakeholders’ feedback by using qualitative interviews 2)
Conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing GIT versus deep breathing exercises (control)
utilizing the refined ARGIT App over 8 weeks in children with FAPDs to assess the efficacy of guided imagery
therapy and evaluate whether psychosocial distress is altered as a result of this intervention over time. 3)
Assess acceptability of the refined ARGIT App among affected children and their caregivers through
qualitative interviews. Dr. Hollier has assembled a multidisciplinary team of esteemed NIH-funded mentors
and collaborators with a diverse range of expertise in mobile health App development, clinical trial
methodology, qualitative research methods, and health behavior change specialists. In addition, the
candidate will acquire additional skills and training through didactic coursework, workshops, directed
readings, and conferences. The scientific training obtained through this grant will lead to publications, data,
and experience that will enable the candidate to secure NIH funding and establish himself as an independent
physician scientist.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10106623
- **Project number:** 5K23DK120928-03
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** John M Hollier
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $183,773
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-18 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10106623

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10106623, A New Paradigm for Treating Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Children (5K23DK120928-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10106623. Licensed CC0.

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