Prevalence of moderate-severe pain in hospitalized children

Summary Background: Acute pain management in children is often inadequate. The prevalence of pain in hospitalized children in the US is unknown. Methods: We reviewed clinical characteristics of all pediatric patients admitted to Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s hospital during July 2009. Patients with moderate–severe pain were identified. For patients identified as having moderate–severe pain risk factors, analgesia regimens, and pain outcomes were reviewed. Results: The prevalence of moderate–severe in‐hospital pain was 27% (95% C.I. 23% to 32%). Teenagers and infants experienced higher prevalence rates of moderate–severe pain (38% and 32% respectively) than children (17%, P