P Stallard1, L Williams, S Lenton, R Velleman. 1. Department of Child & Family Psychiatry, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, UK. paul.stallard@awp.nhs.uk
Abstract
AIM: To detail the everyday occurrence of pain in non-communicating children with cognitive impairment. METHODS: Thirty four parents of cognitively impaired verbally non-communicating children completed pain diaries over a two week period. Each day, for five defined periods, parents rated whether their child had been in pain, and if so, its severity and duration. RESULTS: Twenty five (73.5%) children experienced pain on at least one day, with moderate or severe levels of pain being experienced by 23 (67.6%). Four children (11.7%) experienced moderate or severe pain lasting longer than 30 minutes on five or more days. No child was receiving active pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Everyday pain in children with severe cognitive impairment is common, yet is rarely actively treated.
AIM: To detail the everyday occurrence of pain in non-communicating children with cognitive impairment. METHODS: Thirty four parents of cognitively impaired verbally non-communicating children completed pain diaries over a two week period. Each day, for five defined periods, parents rated whether their child had been in pain, and if so, its severity and duration. RESULTS: Twenty five (73.5%) children experienced pain on at least one day, with moderate or severe levels of pain being experienced by 23 (67.6%). Four children (11.7%) experienced moderate or severe pain lasting longer than 30 minutes on five or more days. No child was receiving active pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Everyday pain in children with severe cognitive impairment is common, yet is rarely actively treated.