🩺 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Paediatric Mini-Series, we explore one of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—aspects of paediatric care: analgesia. Effective pain management in children not only improves comfort but also reduces fear, builds trust, and improves outcomes.
We discuss the challenges in recognising and treating pain in children, practical approaches for safe analgesia, and debunk common myths that contribute to under-treatment.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
- Why pain in children is under-recognised and under-treated
- Age-appropriate pain assessment tools (FLACC, Wong-Baker)
- First-line pharmacological options: paracetamol, ibuprofen, intranasal fentanyl, morphine, entonox and methoxyflurane
- Non-pharmacological approaches: parental involvement, play therapy, positioning
📊 Evidence Highlight:
A 2016 systematic review published in BMC Emergency Medicine found that pain is frequently under-assessed and under-treated in paediatric emergency settings.
Reference:
Shomaker K, Drennen J, Alletag MJ. Pain management in the paediatric emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Emerg Med. 2016;16(1):10. doi:10.1186/s12873-016-0078-2
✅ Only 42–60% of children received any analgesia for painful conditions
✅ There was a significant delay in administering analgesia—often over 60 minutes
✅ Under-treatment was more likely in younger children
📚 Resources & Further Reading:
- RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pain Management
- WHO Guidelines on the Pharmacological Treatment of Pain in Children
- Paediatric Pain Management Toolkit (PREDICT)
- Don't Forget the Bubbles
- ePALS – Pain and Sedation Module
🎧 Listen Now:
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.
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