Managing pain in children at the end of life: What the GP should know

Abstract

Managing disease- and procedure-related pain in children is paramount. Chronically ill children, especially those requiring repeated procedures or admissions, may experience a significant burden of pain. If poorly managed, it has a negative impact on quality of life and parent-child relationships. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the principles of palliative care are applicable to all children with chronic illnesses from the time of diagnosis. A key component of palliative care is good pain management.