Yafteh

Pain during childhood—particularly in clinical settings and during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures—is a complex and multidimensional experience that is often overlooked, despite its significant short- and long-term psychological and physical consequences. Developmental and cognitive characteristics limit children’s ability to accurately express their pain experiences, making appropriate responses dependent on supportive structures, age-appropriate standardized tools, and family involvement. Despite extensive scientific evidence and international recommendations, non-pharmacological interventions have not yet achieved a systematic position in many healthcare centers in Iran, facing challenges such as weak clinical guidelines, a drug-centered approach, and inadequate infrastructure. Evidence indicates that interventions such as aromatherapy, music therapy, play therapy, distraction techniques, and parental involvement are highly effective in reducing pain, and that combining these methods with pharmacological treatment yields better outcomes than medication alone. Accordingly, policy actions should focus on integrating these interventions into standard pediatric care protocols, incorporating specialized training into medical and nursing curricula, providing continuous education and workshops for healthcare staff, strengthening infrastructure, empowering parents, and establishing monitoring systems and organizational incentives. Implementing these interventions in a phased and pilot-based manner can pave the way for their gradual and sustainable institutionalization at the national level. This policy brief aims to provide evidence and actionable recommendations for policymakers in pediatric health to improve care quality, reduce reliance on medications, and enhance the overall experience of children and their families.