Knowledge of healthcare professionals on the evaluation and treatment of neonatal pain.

OBJECTIVE

to identify knowledge of healthcare professionals on the management, evaluation and treatment of pain in a neonatal unit in a municipality of Rio de Janeiro.

METHOD: descriptive, exploratory study with quantitative analysis. Data were analyzed using the software R. Core Team

Results

of the 96 healthcare professionals who participated in the study, 42 nursing aides/technicians responded, along with 22 nurses, 20 physicians and 2 physical therapists. The results showed that 40.5% of the nursing aides/technicians, 50% of the physicians and 50% of the physical therapists confirmed that they coordinate/perform/assist in the care of babies' pain while performing procedures (lumbar puncture, chest tube insertion and central line). There was a significant difference of agreement in relation to the nursing aides/technicians and physicians. Most (69.8%) of the healthcare professionals knew of some non-pharmacological measure effective for relief of acute pain.

CONCLUSION

there is a need for an educational intervention program, with participation of those involved, in the process to change professional practice.