Procedural Pain and Situational Anxiety in Pediatric Patients: A Narrative Review of Assessment Tools

Background: Procedural pain and anxiety are common phenomena among children hospitalized in pediatric wards; however, they are often under-recognized. These experiences frequently accompany patients during various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Assessing pain is particularly challenging in pediatric care, as children may have difficulty clearly expressing their pain experiences, which can result in the underestimation of their symptoms. Accurate assessment using an appropriately selected scale should be regarded as an essential component of high-quality healthcare. Methods: This narrative review summarizes standardized tools for assessing procedural pain and anxiety in pediatric patients, focusing on instruments adapted to different ages and cognitive abilities and on their applicability in everyday clinical practice. Results: Numerous standardized scales are available, ranging from behavioral to numerical instruments tailored to specific developmental stages. Despite this, the implementation of these tools in routine care remains inconsistent, largely due to organizational, educational, and communication barriers among healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Medical staff must not only receive adequate training but also exhibit the motivation and readiness to utilize available pain assessment methods. Education and increased awareness among staff regarding pain and procedural anxiety are crucial for improving patient comfort and safety.