Pain relief for newborn babies
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Other.
Pain Relief for Newborn Babies
Introduction
Research has found that only about 25% of larger maternity units in Australia provide pain relief for procedures like blood sampling or injections in newborns.
Study Overview
A team led by neonatologist Dr. Peter Gray surveyed 212 Australian hospitals that deliver over 200 babies annually to assess their use of pain-relief methods for minor procedures in newborns.
Dr. Gray, from Mater Mothers Hospital in Brisbane, noted that despite strong evidence supporting the use of breast milk or sucrose (a sugar solution) to alleviate pain during procedures, these methods are not widely implemented in Australian hospitals.
Key Findings
Dr. Gray expressed surprise at the limited use of pain relief for newborns, despite the abundance of supportive data. The study revealed that before drawing blood, only 11% of hospitals used sucrose, 24% encouraged breastfeeding, and 10% used breast milk specifically for pain relief.
These findings are particularly relevant as newborns routinely undergo procedures like hepatitis B vaccinations and heel prick tests before discharge.
Importance of Pain Relief
Dr. Gray acknowledged that while an individual injection or test might seem minor, some infants undergo multiple tests for conditions like jaundice or infections. There's emerging evidence linking early pain experiences to altered brain development and behavioral issues later in childhood. Reducing pain is crucial; while methods like sucrose or breastfeeding may not eliminate pain completely, they significantly minimize it, which is beneficial.
Publication and Methodology
The study was recently published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Information was gathered through telephone interviews with senior staff from special care nurseries or maternity units.
Regional Variations
Dr. Gray highlighted significant regional differences in the use of pain relief. States like Western Australia, NSW, and Victoria had higher usage rates, whereas Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia lagged behind.
Guidelines and Recommendations
In October, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians released guidelines for managing pain in children, including a comprehensive 24-page section dedicated to newborns.
By promoting awareness and implementation of effective pain-relief techniques, hospitals can improve the care and comfort of newborns undergoing medical procedures.
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