Product Description

Research has demonstrated that children with cancer and their parents regards procedure-related pain as one of the most difficult parts of having cancer, and their distress continues years after the completion of anti-cancer treatment. This is a practical "how to" book that will provide readers with the knowledge, skills, structure and techniques to help young patients and their families to cope with painful medical procedures. The author has gathered together over 10 years experience in clinical paediatric oncology and palliative care to provide a concise overview of procedure-related pain. The book describes the pharmacological and psychological methods of pain relief and how they may be combined, along with the difficulties that may be encountered in their implementation. It also encourages better integration between research work and clinical practice. This guide should be of use to all healthcare professionals working with young people in palliative care or oncology, or those working with children undergoing painful treatments for other conditions such as those with diabetes or those undergoing dialysis.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #352891 in Books
• Published on: 2002-12-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Customer Reviews

TREATMENT WITHOUT TRAUMA
In reviewing this new book by clinical psychologist, Christina Liossi, I anticipated an overview to aspects of pain management for co-workers involved in the treatment of children with cancer. I hoped it would fill gaps in my professional experience, which involves treatment of cancer in adults. How would the management of pain in children with cancer differ from that of adults? And would any differences in approach translate to adults? Would hypnosis be included ?

The book is well presented, including clear headings, type-face and generous white space. The language is concise and her ideas are presented logically. Each of the 6 chapters has between 40 –90 relevant references. The few diagrams included enhance the text. Boxed summaries and flow-charts add to the accessibility of the information contained in this useful book which is indexed for rapid reference.

In the preface Liossi refers to the repetitive painful procedures, which children with cancer undergo, and the ongoing distress this causes to them and their parents. Her goals were two-fold, to promote integration of research and clinical practice and the integration of pharmacological and psychological approaches to pain management. The end point would be optimal pain management by multidisciplinary teams.

The first two chapters discuss the nature of paediatric procedure-related cancer pain and its assessment.

The third chapter, written by Richard Hain, Hon Cons in Paediatric Oncology and Lecturer in Paediatric Palliative Care, discusses the pharmacological management of procedure-related cancer pain.

Chapters 4 and 5 discuss the psychological management of procedure-related cancer pain. The first part discusses the rationale and use of standard psychological interventions. The second part introduces the principles and use of hypnosis.

The final chapter draws together the five core elements to present a strong case for a multi-disciplinary approach to integrated pain management in children undergoing invasive procedures.

Liossi achieves her goals of providing a logical framework for integrated management of paediatric pain, challenging many accepted practices and suggesting rationales for alternative approaches. Throughout the book the need for empirical clinical work to be backed up by sound scientific evidence is central. I found the book easy to read, informative in areas of little prior knowledge, and overall a stimulating, thought-provoking experience. The section on hypnosis provides a succinct overview of a useful intervention with several basic ideas presented so that non-hypnotists could begin to apply them in a clinical setting, with confidence.

I would recommend it for all health professionals involved with the treatment of children, including nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists and play therapists. Junior doctors entering paediatrics too will find it helpful as an overview to good practice. Their more senior colleagues would do well to read it if only to prompt appraisal of their own current working practices.