IMPACT
Insights on Managing Pain in Children
and Teenagers
and Teenagers
The IMPACT Project aimed to improve how pain management information is communicated to families with children in postoperative care.
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Why is this research important?
Poor pain management after pediatric surgery remains a critical concern despite efforts in providing care information at hospital discharge. A recent audit of daycare surgical procedures at BCCH highlighted that children experience a significant amount of preventable pain at home in the days following surgery. What did we do? The team audio-recorded conversations between parents and nurses at discharge as well as interviewed parents about their hospital experience when they returned home. From this, we were able to identify areas of improvement for communication in pain management. |
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The project was led by Mallorie Tam, Research Project Manager, and Julia Wu, former Research Assistant in the NEST Lab.
What did we find?
Overall, the nurses did very well with their pain instructions — they spoke understandably, asked questions, and provided reassurance. But it was clear that some parents still experienced confusion around specific instructions to manage their child’s pain.
Turning research into action
A pain management handout was developed for families that would be filled out by the surgeon and checked by the nurse during discharge communications. After several versions of the pamphlet design, with input from stakeholders and patient family partners, now it’s a key part of the care kids and families receive in the day surgery unit. The pamphlet includes a detailed written medication schedule for the first 24 hours, plus information on pain management.
What did we find?
Overall, the nurses did very well with their pain instructions — they spoke understandably, asked questions, and provided reassurance. But it was clear that some parents still experienced confusion around specific instructions to manage their child’s pain.
Turning research into action
A pain management handout was developed for families that would be filled out by the surgeon and checked by the nurse during discharge communications. After several versions of the pamphlet design, with input from stakeholders and patient family partners, now it’s a key part of the care kids and families receive in the day surgery unit. The pamphlet includes a detailed written medication schedule for the first 24 hours, plus information on pain management.
Publications & Media
Wu JM, Tam MT, Page PM, Lamb EA, Jordan I, Chambers CT, Robillard JM. Pain management communication between parents and nurses after pediatric outpatient surgery. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 2022 Jul 1;65:e87-92. Google Scholar
Tam MT, Wu JM, Page PM, Lamb EA, Jordan I, Chambers CT, Robillard JM. Barriers and facilitators to effective pain management by parents after pediatric outpatient surgery. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 2020 Nov 1;34(6):560-7. Google Scholar
From research to improved care - helping kids manage pain after day surgery. 2022 Media Article BCCHRI News
Tam MT, Wu JM, Page PM, Lamb EA, Jordan I, Chambers CT, Robillard JM. Barriers and facilitators to effective pain management by parents after pediatric outpatient surgery. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 2020 Nov 1;34(6):560-7. Google Scholar
From research to improved care - helping kids manage pain after day surgery. 2022 Media Article BCCHRI News
External Contributors
Trish Page, BC Children's Hospital
Liz Lamb, BC Children's Hospital
Isabel Jordan, Patient Partner
Christine Chambers, Dalhousie University
Liz Lamb, BC Children's Hospital
Isabel Jordan, Patient Partner
Christine Chambers, Dalhousie University
Funders
We are proud to have received funding for this project from the following organization:
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