Abstract

BATALHA, Luís Manuel Cunha. Non-pharmacological interventions in pain management in neonatal intensive care. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2010, vol.serIII, n.2, pp.73-80. ISSN 0874-0283.

Background: Although it has been recognized that most of the pain experienced by the newborn can be prevented or substantially relieved, several studies continue to show an inadequate treatment. Aims: To determine the prevalence and severity of the pain experienced by newborns receiving intensive care, as well as the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapeutic measures. Methods: At a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital, 170 newborns were studied during one year, resulting in 844 observations. Data were collected based on newborn observation, an interview with parents and nurses who provided care, and a retrospective analysis of the clinical records. Pain intensity was measured using the EDIN scale (Echelle Douleur et d’Inconfort du Nouveau-Né). Results: During 8 hours of observation, 94.8% of the 844 observations showed a high prevalence of pain, mostly mild pain (72.7%). Non-pharmacological interventions were applied in 88.7% of the observations, especially related to positioning, massage and comfort techniques. Conclusions: Nurses use non-pharmacological measures of comfort, massage and positioning often and effectively, but other techniques should also be promoted, such as the use of sucrose, glucose or maternal breastfeeding.

Keywords : newborn; neonatal nursing; NICU.

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