Assessment of Nurses' Performance Related to Neonatal Pain in Different Nursing Procedures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt.

Abstract

Background: neonates at greatest risk of neurodevelopmental impairment as a result
of preterm birth and they most likely to be exposed to the greatest number of painful stimuli
in the NICU. Aim: The study aims to assess nurses performance related to neonatal pain in
different nursing procedures. Design: A descriptive analytical study. Sampling: A purposive
sample comprised of all nurses (100) working at NICU. Setting: This study was conducted
at NICU at Benha Children Hospital affiliated to Specialized Medical Centers. Tools of data
collection: included 2 tools; predesigned questionnaire sheet to assess nurses performance
regarding pain management and observational checklist that include 20 practices that the
nurse can perform as non pharmacological pain management. Results: This study revealed
that the mean age of studied nurses was 32.12± 1.56, and majority of them had mild
knowledge about pain management and majority of them had incompetent practices
regarding non pharmacological pain management. Conclusion: The current study concluded
that The majority of nurses has lack of knowledge and practice regarding pain management
in NCUs. Generally, there was a limited use by nurses to relieve neonatal pain. But, Gentle
skin to skin touch and modification of environment were the most common non
pharmacological measures they already know and actually done Recommendations: The
study recommended that periodical in service training programs for nurses working in
NICUs about neonatal pain management should be conducted to improve their knowledge
and practices in the area, guidelines for neonatal pain management should be followed. So,
Pain flow sheet should be included in the neonate's nursing documentation.

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