The plan of care for assessing and managing your child’s pain may be simple or complex. Regardless, the plan should involve active participation by you and your child, as well by the health care professionals. Many of the techniques described in this section will benefit your child more if there is parental involvement. Health care professionals will work with you and your child to help you to learn the various methods of pain control.
The pain management plan is also likely to change over time to ensure that it always meets your child’s needs. It may take some time for members of the health care team to find the right combination of treatments for effective pain relief. Pain relief needs will also change as your child’s condition evolves. For example, as children recover from surgery, they will need less pain medication as they heal. It is a good idea to be as involved as possible in the plan of care, and to remain as informed as possible about its content and how it is working.