Knowledge and Practices in Neonatal Pain Management of Nurses Employed in Hospitals with Different Levels of Referral-Multicenter Study

Abstract

Background: One of the key elements of patient care is the relief and prevention of pain sensations. The importance of pain prevention and treatment has been emphasized by many international organizations. Despite the recommendations and guidelines based on evidence, contemporary research shows that the problem of pain among patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in various centers is still an important and neglected problem.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of the medical personnel and their perception of the issue of pain in neonatal patients.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive study carried out in 2019. The study used a nurses' perceptions of neonatal pain questionnaire.

Results: A total of 43 Polish hospitals and 558 respondents participated in the project. 60.9% (n = 340) and 39.1% (n = 218) of respondents were employed in secondary and tertiary referral departments, respectively.

Conclusion: Our analyses indicate that despite the availability of pain assessment tools for neonatal patients, only a few centers use standardized tools. The introduction of strategies to promote and extend the personnel's awareness of neonatal pain monitoring scales is necessary.

Keywords: knowledge; midwives; neonatal intensive care unit; neonatal pain; neonate; nurses; pain management; prophylaxis.