Assessing pain in children and young people: a guide for primary care nurses

Painful procedures are common in children's healthcare and must be managed carefully to minimise distress, prevent long-term fear and maintain trust between children, families and healthcare professionals. Children's ability to perceive, interpret and communicate pain varies with age and cognitive ability, and effective assessment involves a thorough history, supported by structured tools and the use of validated, age-appropriate pain measurement scales. Parental involvement plays a critical role, as children often mirror caregivers’ responses. Evidence-based strategies such as topical anaesthesia, distraction techniques and appropriate positioning can reduce procedural pain and distress. This article provides advice for primary care nurses on pain assessment and management, concluding that a structured, individualised and compassionate approach is fundamental to improving outcomes for children and their families.