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Development of a pain management protocol for a paediatric ward in the gambia, west Africa

Lisa M Puchalski Ritchie1, Stephen R C Howie, Pamela Collier Njai

  • 1University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C4.

International Journal of Pediatrics
|July 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric pain remains undertreated globally, especially in low-income nations. This study details a tailored analgesia and sedation protocol for The Gambia, West Africa, offering a model for similar health settings.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Global Health
  • Paediatric Care

Background:

  • Paediatric pain is globally undertreated, particularly in low-income countries.
  • Existing guidelines require adaptation for specific healthcare settings and resource limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a paediatric analgesia and sedation protocol for the Medical Research Council (MRC) paediatric ward in The Gambia, West Africa.
  • To ensure the protocol is safe, effective, and locally appropriate.

Main Methods:

  • An iterative development process was employed.
  • Incorporated medical literature, local provider input, and pain expert recommendations.
  • Protocol tailored to the specific resources and capabilities of the healthcare setting.

Main Results:

  • A paediatric analgesia and sedation protocol was successfully developed.
  • Demonstrated the adaptability of evidence-based guidelines to local contexts.
  • The protocol is designed for optimal pain management within resource constraints.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence-based guidelines can and should be adapted for optimal pain management in diverse healthcare settings.
  • The developed protocol can improve care on the MRC ward.
  • This process and protocol can serve as a model for improving paediatric pain management in similar settings worldwide.

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