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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Parental assessment and management of children's postoperative pain: a randomized clinical trial
Vanessa Unsworth1, Linda S Franck, Imti Choonara
1Academic Division of Child Health, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.
Insights
Using a pain scale at home did not increase the amount of pain medication given to children after tonsillectomy. This study found no significant difference in analgesia for children using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale compared to routine care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Pain management
- Evidence-based practice
Background:
- Day case surgery is increasing, necessitating improved home-based pain management for pediatric patients.
- Effective postoperative pain control in children is crucial for recovery and parental satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a self-report pain scale improves analgesia administration in children post-tonsillectomy at home.
- To compare the effectiveness of the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale versus routine postoperative advice on pain management.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-eight children (aged 4-12) undergoing tonsillectomy were randomized into two groups.
- Group A received standard postoperative advice and a 3-day analgesic prescription (paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine).
- Group B received the same treatment plus the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale for home use.
Main Results:
- Seventy-two children completed the study.
- No statistically significant difference was found in the total number of analgesics administered between the two groups (p = 0.26).
- The use of the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale did not lead to increased analgesic use.
Conclusions:
- A self-report pain scale, specifically the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale, does not appear to enhance postoperative pain management in children at home.
- Further research may be needed to explore alternative strategies for improving pediatric pain management after day case surgery.
Abstract:
As day case surgery increases, one needs to improve the management of pain in children at home. This study wished to determine whether the use of a self-report pain scale would result in children receiving more analgesia. Eighty-eight children aged four to 12 years undergoing tonsillectomy, whose parents agreed they could participate, were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received the routine postoperative advice and a three-day prescription of paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine. In addition, group B used the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. Seventy-two children completed the study. There was no difference in the total number of analgesics administered to children in the two groups (p = 0.26, Mann- Whitney U-test). It appears that a self-report pain scale does not improve the postoperative management of pain in children at home.
