GuidelinesOther guideline
Principles of Pain Management in Children
Anxiety, fear and pain in children are intricately linked. Intermittent intramuscular (IM) injections are distressing to children and are less effective in achieving pain control than IV infusions or intranasal (IN) administration. Therefore, IM injections are strongly discouraged. Avoid per request needed (PRN) dosing as far as possible. Where used, inform and empower the child/caregiver to requ
- Anxiety, fear and pain in children are intricately linked.
- Intermittent intramuscular (IM) injections are distressing to children and are less effective in achieving pain control than IV infusions or intranasal (IN) administration. Therefore, IM injections are strongly discouraged.
- Avoid per request needed (PRN) dosing as far as possible. Where used, inform and empower the child/caregiver to request analgesia if the child is in pain.
- Always use pain scoring tools to assess pain and to direct appropriate pain management.
South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) Guidelines for the Management of Acute Pain in Specific Scenarios 2022