Implementing Effective Knowledge of Pediatric Pain Assessments

Abstract

By Olivia Neufarth, Nursing; Lane Kabbes, Nursing; Mallory Perdue, Nursing

Advisor: Mohammad Othman

Award: Excellence in Research Communication 

Presentation ID: 144

Abstract: The assessment of pain, although not clinically measured the same way as routine vital signs, is a crucial indicator of a patient's status and can give insight into potentially concerning issues. Pain is assessed through the use of pain scales and a variety of subjective questions. It is one of the most mismanaged assessments completed by pediatric nurses. One of the main causes for misevaluation of pediatric pain is due to poor education on the different scales. With pediatrics, pain can be perceived in many different ways. Contributing factors that lead to the selection of a specific pain assessment scale used includes: language/culture barriers, physiologic status, developmental level, and age of the pediatric patient. Given the wide variety of pain assessment scales available and the multiple contributing factors, it is important to choose the most optimal pain scale available for the specific situation. The aim of this project is to educate current pediatric nurses on the definition of each pediatric pain scale, the differences in the pain scales, and the indications of use for each scale. A group of selected pediatric nurses at Cincinnati Children's Hospital & Medical Center received an educational PowerPoint with the material at hand. A pre- and post-educational intervention questionnaire assessed knowledge gained after the viewing of the educational PowerPoint and handouts. The PowerPoint also included resources specific to pediatric pain assessments that are easily accessible through Children's website, Centerlink. Results of the education session are pending.