C. Meghan McMurtry
By appointment only please.
C. Meghan McMurtry is a Professor in Psychology at the University of Guelph, director of the Pediatric Pain, Health, and Communication Lab, and a Clinical and Health Psychologist with the Pediatric Chronic Pain Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital. She is an Adjunct Research Professor in Paediatrics at Western University and an Associate Scientist at the Children’s Health Research Institute. Dr. McMurtry’s research and clinical interests focus on acute and chronic pain, medical procedure-related fear, as well as communication and family influences in these contexts. Author of >100 peer reviewed publications and op-ed pieces in media outlets including the New York Times and the Globe and Mail, her research has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Genome Canada, among others. Dr. McMurtry was the Co-Principal Investigator and an Evidence Lead on the national Help Eliminate Pain in Kids and Adults Team which created two clinical practice guidelines regarding vaccination pain and needle fear management; aspects from the pain management guideline were endorsed for vaccinations worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO). She is a member of the CARDTM scientific team; the CARD framework makes the pain management guideline actionable. Dr. McMurtry was the sole psychologist on the small subcommittee for the WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety tasked with creating guidance on immunization stress-related responses. She also served as the sole psychologist on the 25 person Guideline Development Group representing 17 countries for the WHO’s Guideline for the Management of Chronic Pain in Children.
Affiliations:
Professor, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Department of Psychology, University of Guelph
Psychologist, Pediatric Chronic Pain Program
McMaster Children's Hospital
Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct)
Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University
Associate Scientist
Children's Health Research Institute
Adjunct Independent Researcher
Department of Paediatrics
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
Pediatric psychology, pediatric procedural pain and fear, parent-child interactions, chronic pain, family influences on children's pain, evidence-based treatment of pediatric procedural pain and needle fear, and training in health.
Education
<p><span>Meghan McMurtry completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS and her psychology residency at Brown University in Providence, RI in 2010. </span></p>
Research
Meghan's Research Bio
My research broadly focuses on pain (both acute and chronic) and fear in children and adolescents including:
Adult-child interactions during children's medical procedures (e.g., venipunctures)
Measurement and intervention for child fear and pain during needle procedures
Family context and correlates of needle fear
Psychosocial factors in pediatric chronic pain
Pain-related training needs for health care professionals and other caregivers
The aim of my research is to reduce the amount of pain and fear that children experience. For example, children report needles to be one of their most feared and painful experiences: much of my work focuses on how we can help children in this context (e.g., How can we interact with children during needles in ways to help them cope? How do we understand/measure what they are feeling? What are important factors in fear of needles and how can we help?). Work within my Pediatric Pain, Health and Communication Lab emphasizes children's own perceptions of their health and their feelings in both acute and chronic pain contexts. A current collaboration with the Pediatric Gastroenterology Service at LHSC Children's seeks to understand what kinds of factors (e.g., optimism) may help children and adolescents function well in their daily lives in spite of experiencing pain. Other work focuses on understanding and addressing gaps in the pain training of caregivers caring for children who may be particularly at risk of experiencing pain (e.g., children with Cystic Fibrosis, children with cognitive impairments).
My goal is to conduct innovative, methodologically-rigorous research. My interests are sparked when I see connections or applications of research across areas and disciplines. As I am always interested in hearing from potential collaborators, please feel free to email me.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Publications (*denotes trainees under Dr. McMurtry's supervision)
108. Gennis, H. G., Flora, D. B., McMurtry, C. M., Flanders, D., Weinberg, E., Savlov, D., Garfield, H., & Pillai Riddell, R. (in press). It takes two: The relative contributions of parent versus child-led regulatory behaviours on toddler vaccination pain. European Journal of Pain.
107. Fournier, I., Caron, C., McMurtry, C.M., Lapointe, A., Giguere, C., Doré‐Bergeron, M. J., & Bergeron, M. (2023). Comparison of Tympanostomy Tubes Under Local Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia for Children. The Laryngoscope. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.31095
106. Taddio, A., Coldham, J., Logeman, C., McMurtry, C.M., Bucci, L.M., Gudzak, V., MacDonald, N.E., Little, C., Samborn, T., & Moineddin, R. (2023). CARDTM (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) for school-based immunizations in Calgary, Canada: A pragmatic cluster trial. PAIN. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003050
105. *Dobson, O., Symons, F. J., & McMurtry, C.M. (2023). Making needle procedures comfortable for autistic children: Caregiver perspectives. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 107, 102208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102208
104. Noyek, S., Jessa, J., Faulkner, V., Boerner, K. E., Dewan, T., Doyle, D., Genik, L., Grainger-Schatz, S., McMorris, C., McMurtry, C. M., Nania, C. G., Oberlander, T., Lorenzetti, D., Turner, K. & Birnie, K. A. (2023). A systematic review of self and observer assessment of pain and related functioning in youth with brain-based developmental disabilities. PAIN.
103. Heaman, J. A. L., Cherry, K., McMurtry, C. M., Giguère, B., Lumley, M. N. (2023). Changing minds: An RCT of a growth mindset intervention on depressive symptoms and well-being in adolescent females and males. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-023-00128-z
102. *Lee, S., Jordan, A., *Walker, N., *Nauman, H., Dick, B., & McMurtry, C.M. (2023). Learning, hope and empowerment: A reflexive thematic analysis of feedback on a group intervention for parents of youth with chronic pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, online ahead of print, July 2023. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001150
101. *Nauman, H., *Dobson, O., Taddio, A., Birnie, K.A., & McMurtry, C.M. (2023). Picturing bravery: A rapid review of needle procedures depicted in children’s books. Children, 10, 1097. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071097
100. *Linkiewich, D., Dib, K. C., Forgeron, P. A., Dick, B., & McMurtry, C. M. (2023). Perceptions of adolescents with chronic pain about peer support. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 48(8), 655-663. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsad014
- Commentary on this work: Choate, E.S., Neville, A.J., Simons, L.E. (2023). Commentary: Peer support needs of adolescents with chronic pain. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsad027
99. *Lee, S., *Tomlinson, R., Lumley, M.N., Bax., K.C., Ashok, D., & McMurtry, C.M. (2023). Positive schemas, coping, and quality of life in pediatric recurrent abdominal pain. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 2023 Mar 23. doi: 10.1007/s10880-023-09952-6.
98. *Lee, S., Dick, B., Jordan, A., McMurtry, C.M. (2023). A parent-targeted group intervention for pediatric chronic pain delivered in-person or virtually: feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 39(3), 127-137. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001100
97. Taddio, A., Morrison, J., Gudzak, V., Logeman, C., McMurtry, C. M., Bucci, L.M., Shea, C., MacDonald, N.E., & Yang, M. (2023). Integration of CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) for COVID-19 community pharmacy vaccination in 5-11-year old children: Effect on implementation outcomes. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 156(S1), 36S-47S. doi: 10.1177/17151635221139783
96. Taddio, A., Rocchi, M., Bucci, L., McMurtry, C. M., Ledrew, E., Shea, C., Morrison, J., Yang, M., Gudzak, V., & Logeman, C. (2023). CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) integration guide for community pharmacies administering vaccinations: How to play your best hand. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 156(S1), 56S-61S. https://doi.org/10.1177/17151635221139
95. Taddio, A., Morrison, J., Gudzak, V., Logeman, C., McMurtry, C. M., Bucci, L., Shea, C., MacDonald, N., & Yang, M. (2023). CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) for community pharmacy vaccinations in children: Effect on immunization stress-related responses and satisfaction. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 156(1), 27S-35S. doi:10.1177/17151635221137682
94. Mastrella, S. J., Powell, D.M., Bonaccio, S., & McMurtry, C.M. (2023). Acting anxious: The impact of interviewees’ anxious nonverbal behavior on interview performance ratings. Journal of Personnel Psychology. https://dx.doi.org/10.1027/1866-5888/a000319
93. *Moline, R.L., *Constantin, K., Chambers, C. T., Powell, D., Lewis, S.P., *Laurignano, L., & McMurtry, C. M. (2022). A brief mindfulness intervention for parents and children before pediatric venipuncture: A randomized controlled trial. Children, 9(12), 1869. doi:10.3390/children9121869
92. Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Logeman, C., Gudzak, V., de Boer, A., Constantin, K., Lee, S., Moline, R., Uleryk, E., Chera, T., MacDonald N.E., & Pham, B. (2022). Prevalence of pain and fear as barriers to vaccination in children – systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 40(52), 7526-7537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.026
91. Taddio, A., Ilersich, A., Bucci, L., McMurtry, C. M., Gudzak, V., Ipp, M., Zita, T., Tharmarajah, S., MacDonald, N. (2022). Letting kids play their CARDs (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) to help cope with needle-related fear and pain: Results from user testing. Vaccine, 40(52), 7667-7675. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.035
90. Gennis, H.G., Flora, D.B., Norton, L, McMurtry, C.M., Merlano, T.E., Zaghi, A., Flanders, D., Weinberg, E., Savlov, D., Garfield, H., & Pillai Riddell, R.R. (2022). Understanding the concurrent and predictive relations between child-led emotion regulation behaviors and pain during vaccination in toddlerhood. PAIN. October 26, 2022. E-pub ahead of print. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002816
89. *Constantin, K., *Moline, R., Pillai Riddell, R., Spence, & McMurtry, C.M. (2022). Exploring biopsychosocial contributors to parent behaviors during pediatric venipuncture. Children, 9, 1000. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9071000
88. *Constantin, K., *Moline, R.L., Pillai Riddell, R., Spence, J.R., Fiacconi, C.M., Lupo-Flewelling, K., & McMurtry, C.M. (2022). Parent and child self and co-regulation during pediatric venipuncture: Exploring heart rate variability and the effects of a mindfulness intervention. Developmental Psychobiology, 64, e22277. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.22277
87. *Constantin, K., *Lupo-Flewelling, K., *Moline, R.L., & McMurtry, C.M. (2022). Child emotion regulation capacity moderates the association between parent behaviors and child distress during pediatric venipuncture. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 48(2), 108-119. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsac035
- Commentary on this work: Fitzpatrick, R., McGuire, B.E., & Lydon, H.K. (2023). Student Commentary: Targeting the right supports to reduce pediatric procedural pain and distress. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsac069
86. Gennis, H.G., Bucsea, O., Badovinac, S.D., Costa, S., McMurtry, C.M., Flora, D.B., & Pillai Riddell, R. (2022). Child distress expression and regulation behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Children, 9, 174. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020174 .
85. *Lee, S., Dick, B., Jordan, A., McMurtry, C.M. (2021). Psychological interventions for parents of youth with chronic pain: a scoping review. Clinical Journal of Pain, 37(11), 825-844. https://doi.org/10.1097/ajp.0000000000000977
84. *Nabbijohn, A.N., *Tomlinson, R., *Lee, S., Morrongiello, B.A., & McMurtry, C.M. (2021). The measurement and conceptualization of coping responses in pediatric chronic pain populations: A scoping review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.680277
83. Tully, C., McMurtry, C.M., Streisand, R. (2021). Focusing on young children in pediatric psychology research: Introduction to the special issue on young children. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 46(7), 734–738. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsab074
82. Kohut, S.A., Forgeron, P., McMurtry, C.M., Weiser, N., Iuliano, A., & Stinson, J. (2021). Resilience factors in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Health care provider, parent and youth perspectives. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 30, 2250–2263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02040-z
81. *Moline, R.L., McMurtry, C.M., Noel, M., McGrath, P.J., & Chambers, C.T. (2021). Parent-child interactions during pediatric venipuncture: Investigating the role of parent traits, beliefs and behaviors in relation to child outcomes. Canadian Journal of Pain, 5(1), 151-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/24740527.2021.1952065
80. O’Doherty, K.C., Crann, S., Bucci, L.M., Burgess, M.M., Chauchan, A., Goldenberg, M., McMurtry, C.M., White, J., & Willison, D. (2021). Deliberation on childhood vaccination in Canada: Public input on ethical trade-offs in vaccination policy. AJOB Empirical Bioethics. https://doi.org/10.1080/23294515.2021.1941416
79. *Tomlinson, R.M., Bax, K.C., Ashok, D., & McMurtry, C.M. (2021). Health-related quality of life in youth with abdominal pain: An examination of optimism and pain self-efficacy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 147, advance online publication May 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110531
78. MacDonald, N.E., Comeau, J., Dubé, È., Graham, J., Greenwood, M., Harmon, S., McElhaney, J., McMurtry, C.M., Middleton, A., Steenbeek, A., Taddio, A. (2021). Royal Society of Canada COVID-19 Report: Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Canada. Facets, 6, 1184-1246. https://dx.doi.org/10.1139/facets-2021-0037
77. MacKenzie, N.E., Tutelman, P.R., Chambers, C.T., Parker, J.A., MacDonald, N.E., McMurtry, C.M., Pluye, P., Granikov, V., Taddio, A., Barwick, M., Birnie, & K.A., Boerner, K.E. (2021). Factors associated with parents’ experiences using a knowledge translation tool for vaccination pain management: A qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 21, 355. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06326-2
76. *Constantin, K., *Moline, R., *Labonte, L., & McMurtry, C.M. (2021). A multi-method approach to understand parent behaviors during child acute pain. Journal of Psychophysiology, Advance Online Publication, March 2021. https://doi.org/10.1027/0269-8803/a000280
75. MacKenzie, N.E., Tutelman, P.R., Chambers, C.T., Parker, J.A., MacDonald, N.E., McMurtry, C.M., Pluye, P., Granikov, V., Taddio, A., Barwick, M., Birnie, & K.A., Boerner, K.E. (2021). Understanding parents' use of a knowledge translation tool to manage children's vaccination pain. PAIN Reports, 6(1), e907. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097%2FPR9.0000000000000907
74. Taddio, A., Ilersich, A., McMurtry, C.M., Bucci, L.M., MacDonald, N.E. (2021). Managing pain and fear: Playing your CARDs to improve the vaccination experience. Canadian Communicable Disease Report, 47(1), 87–91. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v47i01a12
73. Taddio, A., Coldham, J., Logeman, C. McMurtry, C.M., Little, C., Samborn, T., Bucci, L.M., MacDonald, N.E., Shah, V., Dribnenki, C., Snider, J., & Stephens, D. (2021). Feasibility of implementation of CARDTM for school-based immunizations in Calgary, Alberta: a cluster trial. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10247-4
72. *Genik, L.M., *Aerts, E.L., *Nauman, H., Barney, C.C., Lewis, S.P., & McMurtry, C.M. (2021). A randomized controlled trial evaluating a pain assessment and management program for respite workers supporting children with disabilities part two: Training evaluations and the impact of training on knowledge application. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 126(4), 289-306. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-126.4.289
71. *Genik, L.M., *Aerts, E.L., Barata, P.C., Barney, C.C., Lewis, S.P., Newby-Clark, I., & McMurtry, C.M. (2021). A randomized controlled trial evaluating a pain assessment and management program for respite workers supporting children with disabilities part one: Pain-related knowledge and perceptions. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 126(4), 271-288. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-126.4.271
70. *Dalley, J.S., Morrongiello, B.A., & McMurtry, C.M. (2021). Children’s perspectives on outpatient physician visits: Capturing a missing voice in patient-centered care. Children 8(1), 34 https://doi.org/10.3390/children8010034
69. *Lee, S., Edwards, K., McMurtry, C.M. (2021). Group for parents of youth with chronic pain: development and pilot. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/cpp0000385
68. Taddio, A., Bucci, L., McMurtry, C.M., MacDonald, N., & Badali, M. (2020). Introducing a practical tool to reduce fear and anxiety during COVID-19. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 154(1), 26-29. https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163520975424
67. Jones, A., Caes, L., McMurtry, C.M., Eccleston, C., & Jordan, A. (2021). Socio-developmental challenges faced by young people with chronic pain: A scoping review. The Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 46(2), 219-230. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa101
66. Edwards, K., McMurtry, C.M., Dick, B., Lewinson, R., Dhariwal, A., & Katz, J. (2021). Somatic Symptom Disorder, Conversion Disorder, and chronic pain: Pediatric clinician perspectives. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, Advanced Online Access. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cpp0000377
65. Logeman, C., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Bucci, L., MacDonald, N., Chalmers, G., Gudzak, V., Shah, V., Coldham, J., Little, C., Samborn, T., Dribnenki, C., & Snider, J. (2020). Student feedback to tailor the CARD™ system for improving the immunization experience at school. Children, 7, 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/children7090126
64. *Moline, R., Chambers, C., & McMurtry, C.M. (2020). Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a child and parent mindfulness intervention for pediatric venipuncture. Paediatric and Neonatal Pain. https://doi.org/10.1002/pne2.12038
63. McMurtry, C.M. (2020). Managing immunization stress-related response: A contributor to sustaining trust in vaccines. [CanVAX series]. Canadian Communicable Disease Report (CCDR), 46(6), 210-218. 8. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v46i06a10
- French translation of the article also available.
62. *Genik, L.M., & McMurtry, C.M. (2020). Reflections and considerations for knowledge translation efforts on pain training for caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pediatric Pain Letter, 22(2), 21-24. http://ppl.childpain.org/issues/v22n2_2020/v22n2_genik.shtml
61. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., Barata, P.C., Barney, C.C., & Lewis, S.P. (2020). Feasible outcome evaluations: A multiple-case study informing follow-up methodology for a randomized controlled trial for children’s respite workers receiving pain-related training. Pediatric and Neonatal Pain. Advanced online access: May 20, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/pne2.12026
60. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., Barata, P.C., Barney, C.C., & Lewis, S.P. (2020). Study protocol for a multi-centre parallel two-group randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and impact of a pain assessment and management program for respite workers supporting children with disabilities. Pediatric and Neonatal Pain, 2(1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/pne2.12014
59. *Moline, R., *Constantin, K., *Gauthier, M., Powell, D., & McMurtry, C.M. (2020). SUPER Scale to the Rescue: Reconciling what parents say and what they communicate during child pain. Pain Management, 10(3), 179-194. https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt-2019-0050
58. Gold, M., MacDonald, N.E., McMurtry, C.M., Balkrishnan, M.R., Heininger, U., Menning, L., Benes, O., Pless, R., & Zuber, P. (2020). Immunization stress-related response - redefining immunization anxiety-related reaction as an Adverse Event Following Immunization. Vaccine, 38(14), 3015-3020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.046
57. *Lee, S., McMurtry, C.M., Summers, C., Edwards, K., Elik, N., Lumley, M.N. (2020). Quality of life in youth with chronic pain: An examination of youth and parent resilience and risk factors. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 36(6), 440-448. https://doi.org/10.1097/ajp.0000000000000820 .
56. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., Marshall, S., Rapoport, A., & Stinson, J. (2020). Massage therapy for symptom reduction and improved quality of life in children with cancer in palliative care: A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 48, 102263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102263
55. *Genik, L.M., *Millett, G.E., & McMurtry, C.M. (2019). Facilitating respite: Preliminary evaluation of the Caregiver Pain Information Guide for children with disabilities. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpp0000314
54. *Genik, L.M. & McMurtry, C.M. (2019). Prevalence and impact of bumps, bruises, and other painful incidents among children while handling and riding horses. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 27, 100229, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2019.100229
53. Taddio, A., Alderman, L, Freedman, T., McDowall, T., McMurtry, C.M., MacDonald, N., deVlaming-Kot, C., & Alfieri-Maiolo, A. (2019). The CARDTM system for improving the vaccination experience at school: Results of a small scale-implementation project on program delivery. Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(1), S54-S67. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxz021
52. Freedman, T., Taddio, A., Alderman, L., McDowall, T., deVlaming-Kot, C., McMurtry, C.M., MacDonald, N., Alfieri-Maiolo, A., Stephens, D., Wong, H., & Boon, H. (2019). The CARDTM system for improving the vaccination experience at school: Results of a small-scale implementation project on student symptoms. Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(1), S42-S53. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxz020
51. Taddio, A., Ilersich, A.N.T., Ilersich, A.L.T., Schmidt, C., Chalmers, G., Wilson, E., McMurtry, C.M., MacDonald, N., Bucci, L.M., Freedman, T., & Wong, H. (2019). Piloting The CARDTM system for education of students about vaccination: Does it improve the vaccination experience at school? Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(1), S35-S41. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxz019
50. Taddio, A., Freedman, T., Wong, H., McMurtry, C.M., MacDonald, N., Ilersich, A.N.T., Ilersich, A.L.T., & McDowall, T. (2019). Stakeholder feedback on The CARDTM system to improve the vaccination experience at school. Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(1), S29-S34. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxz018
49. Freedman, T., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Wong, H., MacDonald, N., McDowall, T., deVlaming-Kot, C., & Alderman, L. (2019). Involving stakeholders in informing the development of a knowledge translation (KT) intervention to improve the vaccination experience at school. Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(S1), S19-S28. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxz017
48. Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Bucci, L.M., MacDonald, N., Ilersich, A.N.T., Ilersich, A.L.T., Alfieri- Maiolo, A., DeVlaming-Kot, C., & Alderman, L. (2019). Overview of a knowledge translation (KT) project to improve the vaccination experience at school: The CARDTM system. Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(S1), S3-S18. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxz025
Winner of the 2019 Dr. Noni MacDonald Award from the Canadian Pediatric Society which recognizes an article published in Paediatrics & Child Health which has positively affected pediatrics.
47. Schinkel, M., Boerner, K., Chambers, C.T., & McMurtry, C.M. (2018). Adult judgments of children’s pain and fear during venipuncture: The impact of adult and child sex. Canadian Journal of Pain, 2(1), 292-301. https://doi.org/10.1080/24740527.2018.1537672
46. *Constantin, K., Bailey, H.N., & McMurtry, C.M. (2018). Measuring caregiver HRV in the pain context: Methodological considerations. Pediatric Pain Letter, 20(1), 5-10. http://childpain.org/ppl/issues/v20n1_2018/v20n1_constantin.pdf
45. Mithal, P., Simmons, P., Cornelissen, T., Wong, H., Pillai Riddell, R., McMurtry, C.M., Burry, L., Stephens, D., & Taddio, A. (2018). To look or not to look during vaccination: A pilot randomized trial. Canadian Journal of Pain, 2(1), 1-8. https://doi:10.1080/24740527.2017.1412254
44. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., Breau, L.M., Lewis, S.P., & *Freedman-Kalchman, T. (2018). Pain in children with developmental disabilities: Development and preliminary effectiveness of a pain training workshop for respite workers. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 34(5), 428-437. https://doi.org/10.1097/ajp.0000000000000554
43. *Constantin K., *Moline R.L., McMurtry, C. M., & Bailey, H. N. (2017). Parent cardiac response in the context of their child’s completion of the cold pressor task: A pilot study. Children, 4(11), 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/children4110100
42. *Genik, L.M., *Pomerleau, C., McMurtry, C.M., & Breau, L.M. (2017). Pain assessment and management strategies when caring for children with intellectual disabilities: Measuring caregiver knowledge. Pain Management, e-pub ahead of print March 7, 2017. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2016-0049
41. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., & Breau, L. (2017). Caring for children with cognitive impairments part 1: Experience with the population, pain-related beliefs, and care decisions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 62, 197-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.01.020
40. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., & Breau, L. (2017). Caring for children with cognitive impairments part 2: Detailed analyses of respite workers' reported assessment and care decisions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 63, 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.01.021
39. Noel, M., McMurtry, C.M., Pavlova, M., & Taddio, A. (accepted Jan 28, 2017). Brief clinical report: A systematic review and meta-analysis of pain memory reframing interventions for children’s needle procedures. Pain Practice, e-pub ahead of print March 14, 2017. doi: 10.1111/papr.12572
38. McMurtry, C.M., *Tomlinson, R.M., & *Genik, L.M. (2017). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and fear in pediatric pain contexts. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 31(1), 41-56. Invited submission for special issue: “Implementing and adapting behavioral therapies for anxiety across the lifespan”.
37. *Tomlinson, R.M., Cousins, L.A., McMurtry, C.M., & Cohen, L.L. (2017). The power of pain self-efficacy: Applying a positive psychology framework to pediatric pain. Pediatric Pain Letter, 19(1), 9-13. http://childpain.org/ppl/issues/v19n1_2017/v19n1_tomlinson.pdf
36. *Constantin, K., McMurtry, C.M., & Bailey, H.N. (2017). Parental cardiac response in the context of pediatric acute pain: Current knowledge and future directions. Pain Management, 7(2), 81-87. doi:10.2217/pmt-2016-0033
35. *Dalley, J., *Creary, P., Durzi, T., & McMurtry, C.M. (2016). An Interactive teddy bear clinic tour: Teaching student veterinarians how to interact with young children. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, e-pub ahead of print. doi: 10.3138/jvme.1115-180R1.
34. McMurtry, C.M., Taddio A., Noel M., Antony M.M., Chambers C.T., Asmundson G.J.G., Pillai Riddell R., Shah V., MacDonald N.E., Rogers J., Bucci L.M., Mousmanis P., Lang E., Halperin S., Bowles S., Halpert C., Ipp M., Rieder M.J., Robson K., Uleryk E., Votta Bleeker E., Dubey V., Hanrahan A., Lockett D., Scott J. (2016). Exposure-based interventions for the management of individuals with high levels of needle fear across the lifespan: A clinical practice guideline and call for further research. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2016.1157204
33. Cousins, L.A., *Tomlinson, R.M., Cohen, L.L., & McMurtry, C.M. (2016). The power of optimism: Applying a positive psychology framework to pediatric pain. Pediatric Pain Letter, 18(1), 1-5.
32. *Dalley, J.S., & McMurtry, C.M. (2016). Teddy and I Get a Check-Up: A pilot educational intervention teaching children coping strategies for managing procedural pain and fear. Pain Research & Management. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4383967
31. *Genik, L.M., McMurtry, C.M., & Breau, L. (2015). Observer perceptions of pain in children with cognitive impairments: vignette development and validation. Pain Management, 5(6), 425-434.
30. Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Shah, V., Pillai Riddell, R., Chambers, C.T., Noel M., & the HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Reducing pain during vaccine injections: Clinical practice guideline (summary). Canadian Medical Association Journal, 187(13), 975-982. DOI:10.1503 /cmaj.150391 http://www.cmaj.ca/content/187/13/975
29. McMurtry, C.M., Noel, M., Taddio, A., Antony, M.M., Asmundson, G.J.G., Pillai Riddell, R., Chambers, C.T., Shah, V. & the HELPinKIDS Team (2015). Interventions for the management of high levels of needle fear: systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 109-123.
28. Pillai Riddell, R., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Shah, V., Noel, M., Chambers, C.T., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Process interventions for vaccine injections: systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 99-108.
27. Shah, V., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Halperin, S.A., Noel, M., Pillai Riddell, R., Chambers, C.T., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Pharmacological and combined interventions to reduce vaccine injection pain in children and adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 38-63.
26. Pillai Riddell, R., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Chambers, C.T., Shah, V., Noel, M., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Psychological interventions for vaccine injections in young children 0 to 3 Years: systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi- randomized controlled trials. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 64-71.
25. Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Shah, V., Yoon, E., Uleryk, E., Pillai Riddell, R., Lang, E., Chambers, C., Noel, M., MacDonald, N., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Methodology for knowledge synthesis of the management of vaccination pain and needle fear. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 12-19.
24. Taddio, A., Shah, V., McMurtry, C.M., MacDonald, N., Ipp, M., Pillai Riddell, R., Noel, M., Chambers, C.T. & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Procedural and physical interventions for vaccine injections: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 20-37.
23. McMurtry, C.M., Pillai Riddell, R., Taddio, A., Racine, N., Asmundson, G.J.G., Noel, M., Chambers, C.T., Shah, V. & the HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Far from “just a poke”: common painful needle procedures and the development of needle fear. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 3-11.
22. Birnie, K.A., Chambers, C.T., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Noel, M., Pillai Riddell, R., Shah, V., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Psychological interventions for vaccine injections in children and adolescents: systematic review of randomized and quasi- randomized controlled trials. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 72-89.
21. Noel, M., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Chambers, C.T., Pillai Riddell, R., Shah, V., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). HELPinKids&Adults knowledge synthesis of vaccination pain and high levels of needle fear: Limitations of the evidence and recommendations for future research. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 124-131.
20. Boerner, K.E., Birnie, K.A., Chambers, C.T., Taddio, A., McMurtry, C.M., Noel, M., Shah, V., Pillai Riddell, R., & HELPinKids&Adults Team (2015). Simple psychological interventions for reducing pain from common needle procedures in adults: systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(10S), 90- 98.
19. Taddio, A. & McMurtry, C.M. (2015). Evidence for clinicians: Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents. Paediatrics & Child Health, 20(4), 195-196.
18. Chorney, J.M., McMurtry, C.M., Chambers, C.T., & Bakeman, R. (2015). Developing and modifying behavioral coding schemes in pediatric psychology: A practical guide. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 40(1), 154-164. doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsu099
17. *Genik, L.M., Yen, J., & McMurtry, C.M. (2015). Historical analysis in pediatric psychology: The influence of societal and professional conditions on two early pediatric psychology articles and the field's subsequent development. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 40(2), 167-174. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsu084
16. *Knoll, A., McMurtry, C.M., & Chambers, C.T. (2013). Pain in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Experience, expression, and assessment. Pediatric Pain Letter, 15, 23-28.
15. Jensen, C.D., Sato, A.F., McMurtry, C.M., Hart, C.N., & Jelalian, E. (2012). School nutrition policy: An evaluation of the Rhode Island Healthier Beverages policy in schools. ICAN: Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition, 4, 276-282.
14. Karazsia, B.T., & McMurtry, C.M. (2012). Graduate admissions in pediatric psychology: The importance of undergraduate training. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 37, 127-135.
13. *Buttle, S., McMurtry, C.M., & Marshall, S. (2011). Massage for pain relief in pediatric palliative care: Potential benefits and challenges. Pediatric Pain Letter, 13, 24-29.
12. McMurtry, C.M., Noel, M., Chambers, C.T., & McGrath, P.J. (2011). Children’s fear during procedural pain: Preliminary investigation of the Children’s Fear Scale. Health Psychology, 30, 780-788.
11. *Coates, C., McMurtry, C.M., Lingley-Pottie, P., & McGrath, P.J. (2010). The prevalence of painful incidents in young recreational gymnasts. Pain Research and Management, 15, 179-184.
10. McMurtry, C.M., Chambers, C.T., McGrath, P.J., & Asp, E. (2010). When “don’t worry” communicates fear: Children’s perceptions of parental reassurance and distraction during a painful pediatric medical procedure. Pain, 150, 52-58.
9. Noel, M., McMurtry, C.M., Chambers, C.T., & McGrath, P.J. (2010). Children’s memory for painful procedures: The influence of pain intensity, anxiety, and adult behaviours on subsequent recall. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 35, 626-36.
8. Chambers, C.T., Taddio, A., Uman, L.S., & McMurtry, C.M. (2009). Psychological interventions for reducing pain and distress during routine childhood immunizations: A systematic review. Clinical Therapeutics, 31(Suppl. B), S77-S103.
7. McMurtry, C.M., Castral, T.C., & Fernandes, A. (2007). Training health researchers: Challenges, systemic changes, and a model solution. Pediatric Pain Letter, 9, 21-24.
6. Schechter, N.L., Zempsky, W.T., Cohen, L.L., McGrath, P.J., McMurtry, C.M., & Bright, N.S. (2007). Pain reduction during pediatric immunizations: Evidence-based review and recommendations. Pediatrics,19, e1184-e1198.
5. Kelln, B., & McMurtry, C.M. (2007). STEPS - Structured Tactical Engagement Process: A model for crisis negotiation. Journal of Police Crisis Negotiations, 7, 29-51.
4. McMurtry, C.M. (2007). Needle and dread – Is it just a little poke? A call for implementation of evidence-based policies for the management of needle pain in clinical settings. Paediatrics & Child Health, 12,101-102.
3. McMurtry, C.M., McGrath, P.J., Asp, E., & Chambers, C.T. (2007). Parental reassurance and pediatric procedural pain: A linguistic description. The Journal of Pain, 8, 95-101.
2. McMurtry, C.M., McGrath, P.J., & Chambers, C.T. (2006). Reassurance can hurt: Parental behavior and painful medical procedures. The Journal of Pediatrics, 148, 560-561.
1. Olds, E.S., & McMurtry, C.M. (2003). Search of jumping items: Visual marking and discrete motion. Perception, 32, 449-462.
Selected Awards
Early Career Award, Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, Canadian Psychological Association 2020
CSAHS Research Excellence Award, 2017-2018
Psychology Department Teaching Award, 2015
Canadian Psychological Association President's New Researcher Award 2012
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Fellowship and Bisby prize (for top rank in the committee; declined) 2010
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral Research Award 2006