A New Website Offers Advice on Managing a Child’s Pain Post Surgery
Launched in February 2013, the new website, My Child is in Pain, offers advice to parents who want to better manage their child’s condition. The site, which is said to be especially useful for parents whose children are ages 2 – 6 years old, was developed by researchers working with parents of children who have had surgery, along with healthcare professionals who are experts in pain management for children.
Using videos, text and illustrations, the site aims to teach parents how children respond to pain, including how to tell if their child is hurting, as well as advice on some of the things parents can do to help their children cope and to provide comfort. The site offers answers to questions like:
- How do I know if my child is hurting?
- Why is my child in pain?
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And what can I do to help my child apart from giving them medication?
The site also explains how common medications work for children and what parents should know about giving medication to children.
The important role parents can play in managing their child’s pain has been clearly highlighted, said professor Bernie Carter, an expert in children’s nursing at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and one of the academics who oversaw the development of the new site. However dealing with a child who has been in the hospital for treatment or tests can be overwhelming and stressful and, until now, the information available to help has not always been consistent or useful to parents. I am delighted that we have been able to take this first step to addressing this problem.
Is your child dealing with pain? Share your story in our Community section where people affected by pain come to learn from one another about best pain management practices and more. You can also find additional advice on how to help your child manage their pain in our Mom, It Hurts story, which offers advice from pediatric experts.