Abstract

Pain associated with procedures in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) is a theme very important in humanized care. This study was carried out in a public hospital of second level of attention, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This study show the opinions of physicians and nurses about the pain and their treatment of the pain and how was actually assessed in an intensive care unit. A descriptive and a health qualitative study was made. 50 informers participated. The information was acquired through a semi-structured interview. It was processed through an analysis of content in the for, of thematic analysis. The opinions learned were on: a) the newborn does not feel pain b) suffering by the newborn on crying c) discovering without competences how to assess and relieve the pain.

Physicians believe infants do not feel as much pain as adults. Neither assessment scales, pharmacologic nor comfort measures are used even for the most painful procedures. Nurses believe both pharmacologic and comfort measures should be used more frequently. Beliefs about infant pain and procedural pain were related to pain management preferences. Nurses ‘but not physicians’ ratings were associated with significant personal pain.