The Numbing Effect: Bias, cultural expression, & children's pain - 2026 LIGHTNING PASS

This session will explore how bias and cultural factors shape misunderstanding and mistreatment of children’s pain, offering strategies for child life professionals to improve pain advocacy and care equity.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the “numbing effect” and explain its role in under-recognition of pediatric pain.
• Identify cultural and implicit bias factors that contribute to disparities in children’s pain assessment and treatment.
• Apply culturally sensitive pain assessment and communication strategies in clinical practice.
• Recognize the role of child life specialists in advocating for equitable pain management.
• Develop strategies to mitigate bias and promote inclusive, pain-centered pain care.

Suggested Domain:  Assessment

Credits: 1.5

Speakers

Cristina Chandri, MS, CCLS - Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Wren Puckett, CCLS, MSc - Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Please note: All webinar content and its certificate will expire on June 9, 2029, regardless of when it is purchased, accessed, or completed. At that point, the contents will no longer be available in any form, including as an archive or as a PDU certificate. It is the responsibility of the learner to complete the contents and download and save the certificate for their records prior to June 9, 2029.