Nonpharmacological pain management in pediatric patients in the acute care setting

Pain is a multidimensional experience that involves physical, emotional, and behavioral components. It is well documented that pain in children·has been treated inadequately for over 20 years. Pain medication is often inadequate to reduce pain and has potential negative side effects. This integrative literature review examines studies that test the effectiveness of nonpharmacological pain management strategies in pediatric patients. Nonpharmacological interventions have been shown to decrease pain, distress, and anxiety in children undergoing painful procedures, such as intravenous insertion, laceration repair and burn dressing changes. Distraction techniques including listening to music, watching cartoons, looking at books, and playing virtual reality games have been studied to determine their effectiveness in reducing pain, anxiety, and distress in children. Virtual reality was the most effective in decreasing pain and anxiety. The goal of this thesis is to establish the role of the nurse as an advocate, as well as explain different methods of nonpharmacological pain management that can be used along with analgesics. Finally, this thesis will encourage additional research on the undertreatment of pain in children with acute pain