The fifth vital sign: implementation of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale

Abstract

Several psychometric tools are available to assess pain in the neonate. Although clinically tested, most of these tools have not been integrated into the assessment of the well newborn. Information is lacking regarding the implementation of such tools and their effects in clinical practice. The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale provides a measure of the intensity of an infant's response to pain. This article describes a hospital's implementation of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, including the education provided to nurses and utilization of the tool in the assessment of well newborns.