This topic has been very insightful. Despite working with children with life-threatening/limiting diseases for many years, I have gained a lot of insight into the recognition of pain in children.
One of the biggest barriers to recognising pain (in children)- I think- is knowledge/mindset. Knowledge- being able to recognize the signs that indicate pain. Mindset/Insight- I think many people do not “think” that children experience pain (especially neonates).
I think this section has also helped me to develop a “language”- how to ask different age groups about their pain/ how to use pain scales.
I have learnt alot about the practical aspects of analgesia, admistering co-analgesics, teaching patients (and families) about managing pain- but we have a long way to go in terms of debunking myths.
Another barrier would be resource constraints (especially with regards to non-pharmacological management) and also time constraints.eg. If an older patients does not want to open up about possible issues (and sometimes pain experienced), it can be difficult to prioritise a long counselling session amidst many other stressors.
We live and learn- I am excited about what I’ve learnt thus far
