Evaluation of pain in neonates and children in intensive care

Abstract

Objective: recognizing actions of nursing staff regarding pain assessment in neonates and infants during the hospitalization in the intensive care. Method: A qualitative and descriptive study with 16 nurses working in a Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, in May and June 2011, through open interviews. The ethical principles were respected, with a project approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UNIJUI (CAAE n degrees 0008/2011). Results: The data were subjected to content analysis and the analytical category emerged: nursing assessment and pain management of newborns and children in an intensive care. Conclusion: There are barriers to treat pain in children, those include: lack of assessment, reassessment appropriate, inadequate understanding of concepts, quantification of pain and lack of knowledge.