Pain in children

The background - what's the resource about?

Welcome to this RCN resource about the recognition and assessment of acute pain in children.

Originally published in 2000, and now completely revised and updated as of 2009, the RCN guideline on the recognition and assessment of acute pain in children looks at when and how pain should be assessed and by whom. As well as the report itself, this resource provides high quality, tailored material to inspire and support implementation of the findings and recommendations in the guideline.

Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists (2012) Good practice in postoperative and procedural pain management 2nd ed

Please note that this updated APA guideline for the management of postoperative and procedural pain in children developed by a multidisciplinary guideline development group which included the Royal College of Nursing, addresses and updates many of the issues explored by the RCN’s 2009 guideline on the recognition and assessment of acute pain in children. The APA’s guideline presents evidence-based recommendations and good practice points and should be referred to as the most up-to-date source. The guideline is made available as a supplement to Pediatric Anesthesia volume 22 July 2012 - see Good practice in postoperative and procedural pain management 2nd ed.

What's in the Pain in children resource?

What is the purpose of the guideline? Read the background story about the guideline and why it is so important.

What's most important? Start with our animated introduction to the key findings from the children's pain guideline.

Looking for the full guideline document? Visit the guideline downloads section, where you can find lots of useful supporting material.

How can I learn more? RCN members can access more training in the learning section.

Exploring further. A series of additional resources with useful links and information about promotion and endorsement of the guideline.