Evidence-Based Practice Clinical Guideline Review
Guidelines on the Management of Chronic Pain in Children
Guideline Development Group: Maha Atout, Voo Teck Chuan, Leonila Dans, Megan Elizabeth Doherty, Obumneme, Benaiah Ezeanosike, Jane Emily Harrop, Satbir Singh Jassal, Rhiannon Joslin, Shakilu Jumanne Kayungo, Diederik De Savorin Lohman, Susan M Lord, Justina Marianayagam, C Meghan McMurtry, Winfrida Wilfred Mwashala, Eve Namisango, Hibah Osman, Gayatri Palat, MR Rajagopal, Linda Marison Bustamante Tuchez, BeGal Yael and Nobuyuki Yotani.
DATE OF PUBLICATION: DECEMBER 2020 | DATE OF REVIEW: JUNE 30, 2021
Method of Review: A subcommittee of the Evidence-Based Practice and Research Committee of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses conducted a group review of the clinical recommendations using the AGREE II criteria1. The committee had an overall assessment of approval for endorsement.
Review Summary: These are exceptionally well-developed guidelines. They are very specific for children with chronic pain and make recommendations for different types of interventions. They state implications for practice and implementation and the need for a global effort in the management of chronic pain in children. The guidelines require or suggest that health policies be built to ensure practice changes. There are certain limitations due to the low quality of the evidence but there are very clear suggestions for further research. The document is long and therefore not very practical for nurses in clinical settings. But the recommendations are clear and easy to find. This WHO document serves as a strong basis for the management of chronic pain in children. The sections on Guiding Principles and Best Practices are extremely well-written and should be a foundation that is used in the education of all pediatric care providers.
Recommendation for use: Recommended for use in pediatric hematology and oncology nursing.
1AGREE Next Steps Consortium (2009). The AGREE II Instrument [Electronic version]. Retrieved May 2018, from www.agreetrust.org