Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG62/3

Question

Recognition and early management of pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy:- Does use of pain assessment tools by parents or carers improve the recognition and early management of pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy in a community setting?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Pain and discomfort are increasingly recognised as having a major impact on quality of life for children and young people with cerebral palsy and their parents or carers. A variety of assessment tools have been developed to quantify qualitative pain behaviours in children and young people with cerebral palsy who cannot communicate. The use of these tools in hospital to help identify signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort associated with specific interventions has become widespread. These tools may also help parents or carers recognise pain and discomfort in children and young people with cerebral palsy in community settings. Reducing pain and discomfort outside hospital is of clear importance to help with all aspects of quality of life, including learning, development and clinical wellbeing. A prospective cohort study is needed that looks at whether use of pain assessment tools by parents or carers improves the recognition and early management of pain.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Cerebral palsy in under 25s: assessment and management

Number

NG62

Date issued

January 2017

Other details