Assessment of pain by parents in young children following surgery.
BACKGROUND
We asked parents to assess pain in young children following surgery.


METHODS
Assessments were carried out by both parents and an independent assessor using a behavioural observational scale.


RESULTS
Forms were returned from the parents of 42 children aged 1-5 years. There were 123 joint assessments and there was a strong correlation between the scores by the observer and the parents (r2=0.84). Twenty-nine children experienced pain following discharge from hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that parents can assess pain in young children following surgery. The management of pain following discharge from hospital can be improved.
Morgan
J
J
Academic Division of Child Health, University of Nottingham, Derbyshire Children's Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3NE, UK.
Peden
V
V
Bhaskar
K
K
Vater
M
M
Choonara
I
I
D000328:Adult; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005149:Facial Expression; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009068:Movement; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010290:Parents