The experiences of acute non-surgical pain of children who present to a healthcare facility for treatment: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The qualitative objective of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on experiences of acute non-surgical pain, including pain management, of children (between four to 18 years) when they present to a healthcare facility for treatment. The specific objectives are to identify: Children’s experiences of their acute, non-surgical pain, including pain management; Children’s expectations of others in managing their acute, non-surgical pain including, but not limited to parents and nurses. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants: This review will consider studies that include children aged four to 18 years who present to a healthcare facility for treatment of their acute (less than three months), non-surgical pain caused by any injury or medical condition. Children younger than four years typically have not developed linguistic skills that enable them to articulate their experiences. Phenomena of interest: This review will consider studies that explore children’s experiences of acute, non-surgical pain and their expectations of other people in managing their pain, including, but not limited to, parents and nurses. Studies focusing on children with postoperative pain or those reporting on children with chronic pain will be excluded. Context: Any healthcare facility, including, but not limited to, general practitioners, hospitals, emergency departments and outpatient clinics will be considered.