1. Do children who use complementary alternative medicines have more effective pain control compared to those who do not?
Issue
Research Study
Despite ongoing poor pediatric pain management, few health care providers have explored the use of complementary alternative medicine as a possible treatment for pediatric pain.
Qualitative and Quantitative data collected to adequately analyze the effectiveness of pain control.
Children ages 5-18 surveyed to determine if pain management was effective, both with and without the use of complementary alternative medicine.
Parents of the children surveyed to collect data on the perception of pain their child is experiencing.
Pain evaluated using the Wong-Baker FACES pain scale and the FLACC Behavioral pain scale. Survey questions given to the parents should include “how well do you believe your child’s pain was managed today?”
Limitations
Small population
Pain is subjective
The subjects are children and therefore might not fully understand the survey questions, interventions or treatments.
Importance To Nursing
Research is needed for patients to have more options for pain control leading to higher patient and family satisfaction.
Research could indicate the need for a more holistic care approach.
Further education may be needed regarding complementary alternative medicine.
References:
Schulenburg, J. Considerations for complementary and alternative interventions for pain. AORN, Inc. 101 (3) Cheng, J. K. (2013).
Harvard Reviews of Health News. (2006). Alternative Treatment for kids. President and Fellows of Harvard College. Retrieved from Health & Wellness Resource Center.
Harvard Reviews of Health News. (2008). 1 in 9 kids use alternative treatments. President and Fellows of Harvard College. Retrieved from Health & Wellness Resource Center.
Student: Tracy Stark