Development of the World Health Organization Guidelines on Cancer Pain Relief and Palliative Care in Children

Abstract

Assess pain regularly throughout the course of treatment. Follow the WHO Analgesic Ladder for selecting pain-relief drugs, that is, a stepwise approach to analgesic management, where a child's pain severity determines the level of analgesics. Use practical cognitive, behavioral, physical, and supportive therapies, combined with appropriate drug treatment. Administer adequate analgesics doses "by the clock," that is, at regular times, not PRN. Use oral routes for administering analgesics, and avoid painful routes of administration, whenever possible. Administer a sufficient analgesic dose to allow children to sleep throughout the night. Anticipate and treat side effects aggressively.