Neonatal Nurses' Perceptions of Pain Assessment and Management in NICUs

• DOI: 10.1097/anc.0b013e31829d62e8
• Publication Date: 2013-09-14T13:48:21Z
• Authors: Xiaomei Cong; Colleen Delaney; Victoria Vazquez
• Keywords: Pain Assessment; Pain Perception

The purpose of this survey was to investigate neonatal nurses' perceptions knowledge and practice in pain assessment management.A convenience sample consisted 237 nurses with a membership National Association Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Connecticut who were not NANN members. A researcher-developed questionnaire, including 36 questions Likert scale 2 open-ended questions, used.The knowledgeable, about 50% felt that they received adequate training continuing education on pain. Participants reported the use tools (81%) confident uses pharmacologic (83%) nonpharmacologic interventions (79%). More than half tool used their unit appropriate for neonates (65%) an accurate measure (60%). Fewer well managed (44%) protocols research evidence based (43%).Nurses' well-managed significantly correlated training, tools, clear research-based protocols. Barriers effective management emerged as resistance change, lack knowledge, perceived fear side effects medication incorrect interpretation signals, time, trust tools. Gaps exist evidence, management.