Assessment of pain by parents in young children following surgery
Imti Choonara,
Academic Division of Child Health, University of Nottingham, Derbyshire Children’s Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3NE, UK (e-mail: imti.choonara @nottingham.ac.uk).
Abstract
Background: We asked parents to assess pain in young children following surgery.
Methods: Assessments were carried out by both parents and an independent assessor using a behavioural observational scale.
Results: Forms were returned from the parents of 42 children aged 1–5 years. There were 123 joint assessments and there was a strong correlation between the scores by the observer and the parents (r2=0.84). Twenty-nine children experienced pain following discharge from hospital.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parents can assess pain in young children following surgery. The management of pain following discharge from hospital can be improved.
