Knowledge and attitudes of health professionals regarding pain assessment and management in neonates

Authors

  • Verusca Kelly Capellini Hospital Regional de Assis
  • Mariana Firmino Daré Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo
  • Thaíla Corrêa Castral Universidade Federal de Goiás
  • Marialda Moreira Christoffel Christoffel Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Adriana Moraes Leite Universidade de São Paulo
  • Carmen Gracinda Silvan Scochi Universidade de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5216/ree.v16i2.23611

Keywords:

Infant, Newborn, Acute Pain, Neonatal Nursing, Health Personnel, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

Abstract

Multiple factors can have an effect on pain management in neonates, which motivated us to analyze the knowledge and attitudes held by doctors, nurses and nursing assistants who work in neonatal units in a hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, regarding neonatal pain assessment and management. This study is descriptive and was conducted with 57 health professionals. The results of the questionnaires revealed that only one professional believed that neonates do not feel pain, and 53 professionals stated the contrary, but were not familiar with neonate pain assessment scales. Professionals indicated fentanyl and midazolam as adequate analgesics for acute pain. Umbilical catheterization, gastric probing and heel pad puncture were considered painful procedures and indications for the use of analgesia.  Health professionals are knowledgeable about pain in neonates, but this knowledge is not reflected in clinical practice. It is essential for professionals to be trained regarding knowledge transfer so that neonate pain assessment and management can be implemented.

doi: 10.5216/ree.v16i2.23611.

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Published

2014-06-30

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Original Article