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Review
. 2016 Aug;23(3):189-200.
doi: 10.1016/j.spen.2016.10.001. Epub 2016 Oct 17.

Pediatric Pain Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation

Renee C B Manworren  1 , Jennifer Stinson  2
Affiliations
Review

Pediatric Pain Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation

Renee C B Manworren et al. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2016 Aug.

Abstract

Assessment provides the foundation for diagnosis, selection of treatments, and evaluation of treatment effectiveness for pediatric patients with acute, recurrent, and chronic pain. Extensive research has resulted in the availability of a number of valid, reliable, and recommended tools for assessing children's pain. Yet, evidence suggests children's pain is still not optimally measured or treated. In this article, we provide an overview of pain evaluation for premature neonates to adolescents. The difference between pain assessment and measurement is highlighted; and the key steps to follow are identified. Information about self-report and behavioral pain assessment tools appropriate for children are provided; and factors to be considered when choosing a specific one are outlined. Finally, we preview future approaches to personalized pain medicine in pediatrics that include harnessing the use of potential digital health technologies and genomics.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Drawing of pain location and sensations from adolescent girl with transverse myelitis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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