Working with a child in pain is difficult, unavoidable and especially challenging when the child cannot explain what they are feeling. In this important book, Bernie Carter and Joan Simons bring together experience, evidence and research to deconstruct the topic and present the reality of children’s pain.

Each chapter starts with a personal story from a child, a family member or a healthcare professional. The stories are drawn from a wealth of original research, and focus the reader on the individual child and their family. The chapter then goes on to introduce the relevant research, theory and implications for practice, so health professionals can use the evidence to support compassionate, child-centred care.

Among the topics addressed are:

• Ethical dilemmas

• Assessing pain

• Working in different settings

• Inexplicable pain

It is valuable reading for any healthcare student or professional working with children of all ages.