The experience of pediatric cancer pain, Part II: Management of pain.

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of qualitative data derived from a study on the impact of pediatric cancer pain on the family. Part I of this two-part article reported on the family caregivers' description of a child with cancer, the helplessness experienced in the management of the child's pain, and the impact of pain on the entire family. This article will describe the role of the parents in managing their child's pain, including use of pharmacological and nondrug interventions, family caregivers' perspectives on what physicians and nurses could do to improve the care of patients in pain, and family caregivers' advice to other families when placed in a similar situation of trying to manage pediatric pain. Five major themes were identified related to the role of family caregivers in managing the child's pain. Parents also identified six major ways in which physicians and nurses could help to improve care related to pain management. Although some parents were unable to identify information that may be useful for other parents in similar situations, nine major themes were identified. Study data demonstrates the experience of family caregivers in caring for a child with cancer pain and provides health care professionals with information that can promote effective pain relief for the pediatric cancer patient with pain as well as address issues affecting the family.