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Pain in children
1University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City.
Insights
Nurse researchers are vital in improving pediatric pain management. Expanded use of pain assessment tools and further research into pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain relief are crucial for better diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pain Management Research
Background:
- Pediatric pain assessment and management have been significant research areas since the late 1970s.
- Nurse researchers have historically led advancements in pediatric pain relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of nurse researchers in pediatric pain relief.
- To advocate for the expanded use of pediatric pain assessment instruments.
- To address challenges in pharmacologic pain management and the need for non-pharmacologic intervention research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric pain assessment and management.
- Analysis of the role of nurse researchers in the field.
- Identification of barriers to effective pain relief in children.
Main Results:
- Numerous pediatric pain assessment tools exist but require wider implementation.
- Pharmacologic pain management is hindered by misconceptions and information overload.
- Non-pharmacologic pain relief methods, though traditionally used by nurses, lack sufficient research.
Conclusions:
- Continued research is essential for advancing the diagnosis and management of pediatric pain.
- Wider adoption of validated pain assessment tools is recommended.
- Further investigation into both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions is needed to optimize pain relief for children.
Abstract:
The assessment and management of children's pain is a topic that has received a great deal of attention since the late 1970s. Nurse researchers have played a dominant role in all areas of pediatric pain relief and likely will continue to do so. There are currently a number of pediatric pain assessment instruments developed that are used in selected practice settings, but their use should be extended to document the existence of pediatric pain and its relief. Pharmacologic interventions for pediatric pain relief have been hampered by incorrect beliefs about analgesic risks, prescribing and administrating habits, and a virtual explosion of information in the area of analgesics. Although nurses have traditionally used nonpharmacologic interventions for pain relief, these methods have not been well researched. Continued research efforts in this important area will result in improved diagnosis and management of pediatric pain.