Reducing pediatric burn pain with parent participation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric burn care
• Child psychology
• Family-centered care

Background:

• Implementing parent participation programs in pediatric burn units requires careful consideration of the multidisciplinary team's role.
• Effective education and support for the healthcare team are crucial for program success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate the development and implementation of a parent participation program in a pediatric burn unit.
• To assess the impact of parental involvement on children's pain experience and family coping strategies.

Main Methods:

• Established unit-specific minimum standards for burn care to guide parent participation.
• Provided education sessions for staff, including problem-solving role-play.
• Modified admission procedures to maintain family unit and assess parental support capacity.

Main Results:

• Parental participation significantly reduced children's pain during invasive procedures.
• The program improved parents' coping strategies and understanding of the healing process.
• Increased parental involvement led to better understanding of rehabilitation needs, potentially improving long-term compliance.

Conclusions:

• Parental participation is a key factor in reducing pain and enhancing family relationships during pediatric burn hospitalization.
• Adequate staff education and preparation minimize challenges associated with increased parental involvement.
• Further objective evaluation is needed to confirm the role of parent participation in pain reduction for pediatric burn patients.