An evaluation of instruments for identifying acute pain among hospitalized pediatric patients: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objectives of the review are to evaluate evidence on: 1) the accuracy of self-report pain assessment tools; 2) the accuracy of a bundled approach (combined self-report and behavioral/observational pain assessment tools) in identifying acute pain intensity among hospitalized pediatric patients between the ages of six and 15 years. More specifically, the review question is: Is a bundled self-report and behavioral pain assessment tool more accurate in identifying acute pain intensity among hospitalized children aged six to 15 years of age compared to a self-report pain assessment tool? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include pediatric patients with acute pain, hospitalized between the ages of six and 15 years. Exclusions include children with chronic pain, Intensive Care Unit patients who are sedated or intubated, and patients being treated for pain with cancer. Studies will be excluded if the focus is on children with developmental delays, infants or children experiencing chronic pain or pain associated with cancer, neonatal patients and adult patients. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies that evaluate acute pain in hospitalized children utilizing self-report pain assessment tools compared to a combination of behavioral/observational pain assessment tools, and self-report tools. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measures: presence or absence of pain, pain intensity rating (measured by a score on a self-report tool by self or by proxy), analgesic use as measured by type, dosage and frequency of administration, TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS