From Assessment to Relief: A Comprehensive Study of Pediatric Pain Management by Nurses at a Public Sector Hospital in Karachi

Abstract

Effective pain management in pediatric care is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and promoting recovery, yet inconsistencies in practice persist. This study evaluates the utilization of pain management techniques by pediatric nurses, identifies barriers to effective implementation, and explores the impact of organizational and experiential factors on pain management practices. A quantitative study was conducted with 30 pediatric nurses at a public hospital in Karachi, using a structured questionnaire to assess pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management approaches. Results indicate that while pharmacological interventions are frequently employed (53.3% always administer medications), non-pharmacological techniques such as distraction (66.7% never used toys/games) and relaxation therapies (36.7% rarely used) remain underutilized. Nurses commonly used validated pain assessment tools (FLACC scale: 53.3% always used), yet parental involvement in pain management plans was inconsistent (63.3% always involved parents, but only 40% frequently explained plans to them). Key barriers included insufficient training (46.7% rarely received pediatric pain management training) and workload constraints. The study highlights a significant gap between evidence-based guidelines and clinical practice, emphasizing the need for enhanced nurse training, standardized protocols, and greater integration of non-pharmacological methods. Recommendations include institutional support for regular skill development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improved nurse-parent communication to optimize pediatric pain management. Future research should expand sample diversity and investigate longitudinal trends in pain management practices.

Keywords: Pediatric pain management, nursing practices, non-pharmacological interventions, barriers to pain control, nurse training, parental involvement