Pain Interventions in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Managing pain in the pediatric oncology population can be a daunting task. Often pain in these patients is severe and often not adequately treated or assessed. Studies have found that the reason for this disconnect is due to the impulse to follow unsubstantiated fears and myths held by healthcare professionals and even by the caregivers of the patients. For this reason, many pediatric oncology patients suffer from unnecessary pain when there are both pharmacological and non-pharmacological means available to intervene. The diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer is multidimensional; however, it can be managed based on recent research and evidence-based practice. In addition, the family, nurses, and other caregivers play a significant role in the management of pain for these young patients. It is imperative that empirical research is conducted and put into practice when appropriate in order to dissipate the burden of such a complex diagnosis. The synthesis of the existing research will help to identify risks and benefits associated with certain medications and treatments as well as identify where gaps exist and further research is necessary. Pediatric oncology patients are affected by their disease in every facet of their lives and would benefit greatly from adequately managed pain.