7.1.2 Methods for Assessing Pain
Assessment of children's pain involves one or more of the following approaches:
self-reports, proxy reports, observations, and physiologic measures. "Because
physiologic indicators such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure,
and diaphoresis alter with a variety of stress-arousal events, they should not
be used as measures of pain in the absence of other pain assessment methods or
clinical indicators" (McGrath, de Veber, and Hearn, 1985). A variety of
assessment methods are available, but no one approach provides a complete
picture of the pain experience. At least one method that is reliable, valid,
and developmentally appropriate to the child should be used regularly for
assessing pain. Because children with cancer may need assessment in settings
other than hospitals (e.g., their homes), the methods should be affordable and
easy for parents or other caregivers to use.
Ongoing Pain Assessment
Assessment of New Pain
Pain in Neonates, Children, and Adolescents
Assessment
Self-Report
Behavioral Observation
Pain Management (Children)
Assessing the Adequacy of Pain Management Strategies (Children)
Index