Pharmacological management of invasive procedural pain in children: Facilitators and barriers

Introduction: Pediatric patients undergo various painful, invasive procedures in paediatric settings, which are not managed effectively. Pharmacological management of painful, invasive procedures is rarely managed in Ghanaian hospital. The factors for this issue may be multi-faceted. This study explored nurses’ account of factors that enhance or mitigates pharmacological management of invasive procedural pain for paediatric patients. Sample and analysis: A qualitative exploratory, descriptive design was used in the study. Nurses were recruited from the paediatric units at the Regional Hospital, Koforidua in Ghana and a semi-structured interview guide were used for the data collection. Saturation was achieved at the 16th participant. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Two themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the data. Perceived facilitators included nurses’ initiative, advocacy by nurses, desire to use pain medication and expectations from team members, while perceived barriers identified were lack of knowledge, shortage of staff and time constraints, doctor's prescription pattern, lack of policies and facilities and Cost implications of medications. Conclusion: Incorporation of pharmacological management of invasive procedural pain management of children will improve the care of children. However, there is the need for collaboration of health managers and staff to make pain management during painful procedures in children a priority.