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.
Highlights
In the 1990s, the three-stage perinatal care system was introduced in Poland [1]
We demonstrated that medical personnel had obtained knowledge concerning pain in this patient group, a small percentage of nurses/midwives still do not agree with the statement that long-term pain may result in a range of adverse effects
Our results demonstrated that respondents older than 50 and those employed in tertiary referral centers presented a good level of neonatal pain knowledge
Summary
In the 1990s, the three-stage perinatal care system was introduced in Poland [1]. Care and adequate therapy should depend on the condition of the neonate. The first stage is responsible for providing care for healthy neonates, and short-term specialist care, if needed. Term-born and preterm-born children who require more specialist care are admitted to intensive care units. Regardless of the referral level, a patient admitted to such a department requires continuous supervision, therapy for circulatory and respiratory disorders, the introduction and continuation of life-supporting procedures, the monitoring of vital parameters, and adequate diagnostic and professional intensified nursing care [2,3]. Pain relief and prevention are key elements in patient care. The importance of pain prophylaxis and therapy was emphasized by multiple international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the Academy of Pediatrics (APP) and the Canadian
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
