Systematic review of nonpharmacological analgesic interventions for common needle-related procedure in newborn infants and development of evidence-based clinical guidelines

Abstract

The aim of this literature review was to develop clinical guidelines for the prevention and control of needle-related pain in newborn infants. The guidelines were developed by the Italian Society of Neonatology, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, based on the assessment of 232 papers published between 1986 and 2015. The quality of the evidence was high or moderate for some behavioural and nonpharmacological interventions.

Conclusion: There was sufficient evidence to strongly support the use of nonpharmacological interventions for common needle-related procedures in newborn infants. Combined interventions seemed to be more effective in relieving procedural pain.

Keywords: Analgesia; Heel prick; Newborn infants; Nonpharmacological interventions; Vascular punctures.