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Multidisciplinary and Holistic Care Approaches

MHC-02 - From Crayons to Canes: Personalizing Pain Across the Lifespan

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
1:05 PM - 1:55 PM PDT
Pain does not present the same way in a toddler, a pregnant patient, or an older adult — and neither should our approach to treating it. This session explores how clinicians can thoughtfully tailor acute and chronic pain management for special populations, including pediatric patients, individuals with chronic pain syndromes, pregnant patients, and geriatric adults. This session will examine developmental physiology, pharmacologic considerations, functional goals, and safety risks unique to each stage of life, while also addressing the critical role of cultural competency in delivering equitable, person-centered care. Participants will gain practical strategies to adapt assessment, communication, and treatment plans to meet patients where they are — biologically, socially, and culturally — improving both safety and outcomes across the continuum of care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Differentiate key physiologic and developmental factors that influence pain perception, assessment, and treatment in pediatric patients, older adults, and pregnant individuals.
  • Apply evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to optimize safe and effective pain management across special populations.
  • Incorporate principles of cultural competency to improve communication, reduce bias, and individualize pain care for patients from diverse backgrounds.