Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the current pain assessment and management practices in neonatal units providing surgical care across both Australia and New Zealand. MethodsAn electronic survey was administered to one nursing and one medical representative at each of the 15 Australian and New Zealand neonatal surgical units. ResultsAll 15 eligible units responded to the survey with a response rate of 97% (29/30 possible respondents). Dosing and titration of analgesics was a collaborative decision between nursing and medical staff (64%), with pain assessment being undertaken using a validated tool and occurring in 13 of the 15 units (87%). Morphine was the first choice of opioid employed and non-pharmacological measures for comfort were utilized in 11 units (79%). A weaning protocol was utilized in nine units (60%), with 14 units (93%) using a tool to guide management of Iatrogenic Withdrawal Syndrome. DiscussionThough the survey highlighted some variation in practice, there was considerable consistency in pain assessment and management practices across Australian and New Zealand neonatal units.
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