Effect of non-pharmacological methods for alleviation of pain in newborns

Summary

Background.
The aim of the paper is to analyze currently most used non-pharmacological methods for pain alleviation in newborns for the best evidence-based practice.

Methods.
Source of the required data for the period 2000–2011 were electronic licensed and freely accessible databases. Evaluation found evidence (30 studies) was carried out according to the table-level evidence (Fineout-Overholt, Johnston 2005). The selection was included in the evidence level I, II, III.

Results.
Nutritive sucking is currently considered the most effective method for alleviating pain in newborns. Analysis of studies shows that non-pharmacological methods used to control pain in neonates are much more effective when used in combination with other non-pharmacological methods, such as music therapy, swaddling, facilitated tucking, multiple-stimulation, kangaroo care and non-nutritive suction.

Conclusions.
Non-pharmacological procedures are effective and lead to pain relief especially in procedural performance as heel lancet and venipuncture for blood sampling, etc.

Key words:
non-pharmacological methods, pain, neonates, newborns, evidence based practice.