Assessment and management of pediatric pain based on the opinions of health professionals

ABSTRACT

The present study characterized the opinions of health professionals about strategies for assessing and managing pediatric pain in a public teaching hospital. The sample consisted of 92 health professionals who worked in pediatric wards, pediatric intensive care, and neonatal intensive care. The sample included 45 doctors, 18 nurses, 16 psychologists, eight physiotherapists, and five occupational therapists. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included 22 open questions on the following topics: pain assessment, pharmacological management, and non-pharmacological interventions. Each area was analyzed with regard to actions, resources, gaps, and needs. The questionnaire was developed based on the principles of Strategic Planning. Two trained researchers analyzed the thematic content of all of the responses. With regard to actions and resources, 33% of the respondents mentioned the use of instruments for pain assessment, 73% reported that they prescribed pharmacological treatments for symptoms of pain, and 26% reported the use of non-pharmacological interventions for the relief of pain. The professionals predominantly reported a lack of training for pain assessment and management, standardized protocols, and human and material resources. Consequently, 96% of the professionals reported the necessity for educational training and standardized implementation guidelines for pain assessment services. These findings provide a baseline of the health professional's opinions of pain issues, which are essential for implementing and increasing pain assessment and management policies institutionally.