Multidimensional assessment of pain in pediatric sickle cell disease

Objective: To conduct a multidimensional assessment of pain in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Variables included parent and child reports of pain location and intensity, qualitative descriptors of pain, perceptions regarding the seriousness and severity of SCD, and environmental and emotional factors associated with pain. Methods: We replicated previous SCD pain research and applied advanced assessment methodology and research design to a population of pediatric SCD patients and their caregivers. Results: Convergence of data supports the utility of multidimensional pain assessment with parents and children with SCD. SCD pain is experienced as intense and severe in home and hospital environments. Conclusions: Findings support including children as reporters in clinical assessment of SCD pain. Integration of assessment strategies into home-based pain management may improve health outcomes. Future research should target biobehavioral treatment for pediatric SCD pain.