Nurses’ Role in Pain Assessment and Management in Pediatric Care : A systematic literature review
Enyi, Naomi Amarachukwu Adabekee (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024122538120
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024122538120
Tiivistelmä
Pain is a universal human experience that profoundly affects physical, emotional and social well-being.
Background: Many children suffer unnecessary pain in hospitals due to gaps in nurses' training and reliance on subjective judgment. Effective management demands accurate assessment and a holistic approach.
Aim: Enhance nurses' knowledge of pediatric pain management and address challenges in assessment and care, by answering the following research questions: What is the role of nurses in pain assessment and management in pediatric care? And What challenges do nurses face in managing pain in pediatric care?
Method: A qualitative research method, using a systematic literature review and content analysis. The theory of comfort by Katharine Kolcaba was used in this study.
Results: Pain assessment is vital in pediatric care, yet inconsistencies arise from subjective approaches like the "clinical eye" and variable use of pain scales. Pharmacological methods, particularly opioids, are effective but hindered by concerns over addiction and sedation, while non-pharmacological strategies like distraction and massage offer holistic benefits but are underutilized. Parental involvement enriches pain management but can create conflicts, and nurses face barriers such as limited education opportunities, emotional strain, and unequal workloads, impacting care quality.
Conclusion: Nurses play a crucial role in pediatric pain management, but systemic barriers hinder their effectiveness. Standardized practices, holistic approaches, and support are essential for improved care.
Background: Many children suffer unnecessary pain in hospitals due to gaps in nurses' training and reliance on subjective judgment. Effective management demands accurate assessment and a holistic approach.
Aim: Enhance nurses' knowledge of pediatric pain management and address challenges in assessment and care, by answering the following research questions: What is the role of nurses in pain assessment and management in pediatric care? And What challenges do nurses face in managing pain in pediatric care?
Method: A qualitative research method, using a systematic literature review and content analysis. The theory of comfort by Katharine Kolcaba was used in this study.
Results: Pain assessment is vital in pediatric care, yet inconsistencies arise from subjective approaches like the "clinical eye" and variable use of pain scales. Pharmacological methods, particularly opioids, are effective but hindered by concerns over addiction and sedation, while non-pharmacological strategies like distraction and massage offer holistic benefits but are underutilized. Parental involvement enriches pain management but can create conflicts, and nurses face barriers such as limited education opportunities, emotional strain, and unequal workloads, impacting care quality.
Conclusion: Nurses play a crucial role in pediatric pain management, but systemic barriers hinder their effectiveness. Standardized practices, holistic approaches, and support are essential for improved care.