Obstáculos ao tratamento da dor pediátrica

: perceção de profissionais, pais/cuidadores e crianças

Abstract

Introduction: Recognizing the benefits of the palliative care approach in adults, pediatric palliative care emerges, with the appropriate approach to the biopsychosocial and spiritual needs of the child, and the appropriate control of symptoms. This study will focus on pain in paediatrics, and the perception of professionals, parents and children, about the obstacles to their treatment. Methodology: With a specific questionnaire for each population: health professionals, parents/caregivers, and children and young people, it was carried out in a central hospital, in the southern region of Portugal, from March to July 2024. Results: Responses were obtained from 60 health professionals, 25 parents/caregivers and 18 children/young people. The questionnaire addressed assertions about pain and opioids, opinions about opioid consumption and feelings they arouse, both in their handling (health professionals) and when they think/hear about them (parents/caregivers and children). With a very similar perception between the three groups, about the high importance of pain, and knowledge about it; as well as the gap in therapeutic knowledge, namely in opioids, also recognizing the importance of a global approach, with non-pharmacological forms. Conclusion: The evidence also obtained in other studies on the importance of investing in training and education on pain and its appropriate therapeutic approach, the importance of implementing action protocols, demystifying opioids and disseminating information not only among professionals, but also including the patient and his family, is highlighted.

Date of Award	19 Dec 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Esther Angélica Luiz Ferreira (Supervisor)