A new study published in The Journal of Pain shows infrequent pain assessments among hospitalized children despite available measurement tools. The research was conducted in eight university-affiliated pediatric healthcare centers among children who were hospitalized for more than 24 hours. More than 3,840 medical charts were evaluated and the average per-child number of documented pain assessments was 3.3.
However, 60 percent of the children were assessed with non-validated pain measures and 25 percent of those who were assessed with a validated tool reported mild pain. Another 22 percent reported moderate pain and 11 percent indicated severe pain.
Around two-thirds of the children underwent pain assessments within a 24-hour period, but many documented pain assessments were described as variable and inconsistent and didn't adhere to national accreditation guidelines.
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However, 60 percent of the children were assessed with non-validated pain measures and 25 percent of those who were assessed with a validated tool reported mild pain. Another 22 percent reported moderate pain and 11 percent indicated severe pain.
Around two-thirds of the children underwent pain assessments within a 24-hour period, but many documented pain assessments were described as variable and inconsistent and didn't adhere to national accreditation guidelines.
More Articles on Pain Management:
Dr. Brian Goodman Joins Mercy Clinic River Valley
Florida Prescription Drug Database Underused After 1 Year
Prospira PainCare Acquires Two Pain Practices