Approach to Pain in Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: Pain is a serious medical problem in children as well as in adult patients diagnosed with cancer. Recognition and correct treatment of pain is one of the important points for cancer treatment. Although there are pain guidelines, the lack of a standardized approach creates difficulties in pain control. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared with the algology clinic to question and manage pain in pediatric oncology physicians' patients. The questions were open-ended, multiple-choice. The data obtained were analyzed by the biostatistics department. Results: We questioned pediatric oncology physicians about pain questioning and treatment approaches in pediatric patients with cancer. Questionnaires prepared for this reason were applied to 100 physicians. The data obtained were analyzed. the average professional experience of the physicians participating in the survey was 20 years. The rate of physicians who regularly questioned patients was 65%, while the group that did not question pain was 5%. Approximately 50% of physicians stated that they used scales in pain questioning. The rate of working together with algology was 75%. There were reservations about the use of narcotic analgesics. Conclusion: It is important to evaluate and treat the pain status of pediatric patients with cancer for patient compliance and well-being.