Nursing professionals’ knowledge and attitude related to assessment and treatment of neonatal pain

Abstract

The objective of the study was to verify the knowledge and attitude of nursing professionals from a neonatal unit regarding assessment and treatment of acute procedural pain in newborns. We conducted an exploratory descriptive study with 26 nursing professionals from a neonatal unit at the Center-Western region of Brazil. Most professionals identified at least one assessment scale for neonatal pain (76.9%). Strategies to relieve pain chosen by professionals were decrease of noise and light (84.6%), kangaroo position (76.9%) and rocking (76.9%). Less than half (28.0%) of professionals affirmed to always or frequently register pain scores during their shift, and 64.0% referred to use pain relief strategies. Most professionals seemed knowledgeable regarding pain management despite of gaps. The application of scales and measures for pain relief seemed inadequate due to its little use, lack of use of the best evidence available or, by the lack of documentation.