Schmerzmanagement bei Kindern in der Schweiz

Objective
Pain in hospitalized children is often undertreated. The aim of the study was to assess the current pain management for children in Switzerland.

Study design
A postal questionnaire was sent to all pediatric units in Switzerland.

Result
A total of 27 of 45 units replied (60% response). Most units used tools for pain assessment (96%) and had a guideline for pain management (78%). Procedural and postoperative pain are always (100%) treated. Premature infants and children in intensive care units often (> 87%) receive analgesics during invasive procedures. However, only 44% of intensive care units have a guideline for this.

Conclusion
Benefits of an effective pain management in children are well established. Many measures have been applied in Switzerland. However, there is still room for improvement, e.g., less than half of all intensive care units rely on guidelines for analgesics during invasive procedures.