The Efficiency of Using Supportive Postures and Holding Techniques to Minimize Premature Infant Pain (PAP)

Overview

Out of the most commonly performed procedures in neonates, naso-gastric tube insertion is rated as the fifth most painful. The pain is often under estimated due to the frequency with which the procedure is carried out. It has been shown that the environment in which the procedure is performed (e.g with skin to skin contact and specific positioning), reduces the discomfort felt by the newborn. However, this has not yet been proven with regards to naso-gastric tube insertion.

Our clinical study (carried out in the Neonatology Unit of Mercy Regional Hospital) has shown that when positioning and other non drug related analgesic techniques are used, newborns undergoing naso-gastric tube insertion feel less pain. Several different techniques were used, such as skin-to-skin contact with the mother and/or positioning the infant using appropriate equipment, or the "four hands" technique carried out by two health care professionals. Neonatal unit staff were able to choose the method used depending on whether the mother was present at the time of the procedure. In cases where the mother was absent, the "four hands technique" was favored, but in the presence of the mother skin-to-skin contact was preferable.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes