Paediatric pain--concepts for caring

Caring for the health of children is a relatively modern concept. Furthermore, recognition of children's need for relief from pain is only just beginning to emerge and remains a subject of controversy. Sadly, in the past, children's pain was viewed as a diagnostic aid rather than an entity in its own right. This paper outlines historical perspectives which contributed, not only to the slow evolution of paediatric nursing, but in particular, to recognition of children's pain as an entity. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of a sound understanding of children's developmental stages as fundamental to accurate assessment of children's special needs which can only be determined through effective communication. Fundamentally, as children remain a somewhat voiceless, powerless minority group, health professionals are challenged not only to provide care, but to ensure that the care they give is indeed meeting the unique needs of each and every individual child.