The guide, A Pharmacist’s Guide to Supporting Kids in Pain was released by Kids in Pain, a national initiative by Chronic Pain Australia. It offers tangible advice and recommendations for community pharmacists who are the most accessible healthcare providers.
“Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to validate families’ concerns, provide safe medicine advice, and connect children to care” said Nicolette Ellis, pharmacist and Chair of Chronic Pain Australia. “This initiative is so important to raise awareness and get children the help they need as early as possible.”
A new report* found children wait an average of three years for a diagnosis and often face dismissal and stigma.
“Community pharmacists are often the first health professional families turn to,” said National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia Professor Trent Twomey. “This guide outlines how community pharmacists can use their skills to support our youngest patients experiencing pain. Simple steps like adapting our language, listening, guiding, and signposting families to additional resources and care will make a huge difference to those living with pain.”
“Pain in children is real, complex, and often invisible,” said Nicolette Ellis, Chair of Chronic Pain Australia. “Pharmacists can be powerful advocates—especially in rural and underserved communities—by offering both clinical advice and compassionate care.”
The new guide offers practical tools and language strategies to help pharmacists:
- Recognise and respond to childhood pain with empathy and clinical insight
- Educate families on pain neuroscience using child-friendly analogies
- Support daily life strategies including pacing, sleep, and appointment preparation
- Navigate complex presentations including neurodivergence, dysautonomia, and cultural barriers
The guide is available now at www.kidsinpain.org.au, alongside resources for families and support groups.