Abstract
Background:
Approximately 10% of Norwegian newborns are each year transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They experience pain from numerous sources and their pain is often poorly managed.
Aims:
To describe the opinions, knowledge and view of potential barriers in neonatal pain management among clinical staff.
Materials and methods:
Physicians (n=20), nurses (n=53) and nurse assistants (n=17) from two Norwegian NICUs participated. Response rate 81%. A structured questionnaire was developed, based on an extensive literature search. Approval from the ethical committee of Southern Norway was obtained. Non-parametric statistical tests were used.
Results:
The respondents had acquired their knowledge mainly from work place experience. Lack of knowledge was percieved as a barrier by more nurses than phycicians. Respondents see insufficient pain assessment as a barrier. Competence in use of analgesics and comfort measures differ. The views are diverse regarding to what extent prescription and administration of analgesics are barriers to effective pain management.
Conclusion:
Knowledge is mainly acquired through work place experience and clinical staff evaluate their competence as partly insufficient. Lack of knowledge and deficiencies in pain assessment and management were considered as barriers in pain management practices.