Assistance flowchart for pain management in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss the process of developing a flowchart collectively constructed by the health team of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the management of neonatal pain. METHOD: This is a descriptive and an exploratory study with a qualitative approach that used Problem-Based Learning as a theoretical-methodological framework in the process of developing the assistance flowchart for the management of neonatal pain. RESULTS: Based on this methodology, there was training in service and the discussion of key points of pain management by the health team, which served as input for the construction of the flowchart. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The assistance flowchart for pain management, based on scientific evidence, provided means to facilitate the decision-making of the health team regarding the pain of the newborn. It is suggested to use the flowchart frequently to promote the permanent education of the team and identify possible points to be adjusted.