Coping Skills in Children Current Concept Review

Abstract

Pain management is a significant challenge for both families and physicians following major orthopaedic surgery in children. A variety of psychosocial factors have all been documented to affect post-operative pain, including anxiety, catastrophizing and self-efficacy. Unfortunately, interventions attempting to address these different variables have been limited across pediatric orthopaedics.  In this article we review the psychosocial constructs that impact a child’s ability to manage pain while recovering from pediatric orthopaedic surgery. Additionally, we will highlight some promising coping skills and resilience interventions to date as well as what the ‘ideal’ psychosocial intervention might encompass. By familiarizing our colleagues with the evidence behind each of these concepts, we hope to improve surgeon confidence in managing psychosocial issues and catalyze efforts aimed at addressing this important knowledge gap.