Patient-reported outcomes in pediatric regional anesthesia trials: current use and limitations.

Renee Ren; Helen S Jung; Michelle Carley; Alexandra Sideris; Jashvant Poeran

doi:10.1097/aco.0000000000001701

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Patient-reported outcomes in pediatric regional anesthesia trials: current use and limitations.

Renee Ren·Helen S Jung·Michelle Carley·Alexandra Sideris·Jashvant Poeran

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the current use and limitations of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in pediatric regional anesthesia research. Despite the increasing emphasis on patient-centered outcomes, existing pediatric outcome assessment frameworks may inadequately capture the pain experience and interference with daily living. RECENT FINDINGS: Across 17 identified randomized controlled trials and 15 ongoing studies, PROM use remains highly variable, with consistent reliance on observational pain scales such as the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale and limited incorporation of standardized, longitudinal health-related quality-of-life measures. SUMMARY: Current pediatric PROM frameworks remain fragmented, limiting comprehensive evaluation of recovery. Greater standardization and incorporation of developmentally appropriate, longitudinal outcome measures are needed to better align clinical research with meaningful patient-centered endpoints and to improve assessment of functional and psychosocial recovery.

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Humans Patient Reported Outcome Measures Anesthesia, Conduction Pediatric Anesthesia Child Quality of Life Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic Pain Measurement Postoperative Pain health-related quality-of-life measures patient-centered outcomes pediatric patient-reported outcome measures postoperative pain regional anesthesia Journal Article Review

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Renee Ren, Helen S Jung, Michelle Carley, Alexandra Sideris, Jashvant Poeran. 2026-08-24. Patient-reported outcomes in pediatric regional anesthesia trials: current use and limitations.. https://doi.org/10.1097/aco.0000000000001701

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