Implementing change in the neonatal unit: Part 2 – The change process

Abstract

Pain management in premature and sick babies has long been recognised as a vital component of neonatal care; however practices pertaining to pain assessment and administration of analgesia remain variable in Neonatal Units (NNU). Sucrose has been identified as an effective agent in reducing pain during minor painful procedures in premature babies but the uptake has been modest.This article (part 2) follows on from an earlier article on evidence to support the implementation of sucrose administration as a measure for pain relief for minor procedures (part 1) and will centre on practice-based change in the NNU and reflect on the strategies used as well as the effectiveness of the proposed change. A theoretical change model will be used as a framework to help unpack the influences inherent within the change process.