In these guidelines, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides evidence-informed recommendations for the management of chronic pain in children. The recommendations are based on the most current, high-quality scientific evidence, and were formulated following processes and using methods that meet the highest international standards for guideline development. The recommendations in this guideline are based on systematic reviews of the evidence on benefits, harms, acceptability and feasibility, as well as on equity and resource considerations. The recommendations were formulated by the Guideline Development Group, consisting of individuals with diverse expertise and experiences and with global representation.
The purpose of this guideline is to assist WHO Member States and their partners in developing and implementing national and local policies, regulations, pain management protocols and best practices. It will help countries balance concerns about ensuring access to appropriate therapies for pain relief with the harms arising from misuse of medications and other potential adverse effects of interventions for pain management.
These guidelines focus on physical, psychological and pharmacological interventions for the management of primary and secondary chronic pain in children 0 to 19 years of age.