Nurses' perspectives on pain management practices during newborn blood sampling in China

Abstract

IntroductionNurses' use of evidence-based pain treatments for newborns during needle-related procedures in China was unknown. This study aimed to ascertain knowledge and use of pain management strategies and usefulness of a publicly accessible 'BSweet2Babies' video, produced in Mandarin, demonstrating the use of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care (SSC), and sweet solutions during painful procedures. MethodsAn online survey was conducted during six nursing conferences in China ascertaining nurses' previous viewing of the video and knowledge and use of the demonstrated strategies. Results221 nurses participated. Only 25 (11.3%) had previously seen the video. Over half knew that breastfeeding (n = 138, 62.4%) and SSC (n = 173, 78.3%) reduced pain, and 89 (40.3%) knew that sucrose reduced pain, but these strategies were infrequently used. Most intended to use the strategies in the future. DiscussionA knowledge-to-action gap for newborn pain management was identified. Future research is needed to improve the implementation of effective pain treatment for newborns.