Validation of Greek Versions of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and Premature Infant Pain Profile in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Turkish validity and reliability of the COVERS pain scale

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the Turkish validity and reliability of COVERS.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 41 newborns as methodological design. The scales, such as newborn information form, COVERS, preterm infant pain profile (PIPP), and neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS), were used in the study. Validity (e.g., language, content concurrent, and construct) and internal consistency and inter-rater reliability of the scale were conducted.

RESULTS

It was found that COVERS showed a high correlation with PIPP and NIPS, and the item-total correlation of COVERS was above 0.30 during and after heel lance procedure. The Cronbach's α values were 0.77 and 0.83 during and after heel lance procedure, respectively. The kappa values of the items of COVERS were between 0.38 and 0.78 during heel lance procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded in this study that there was a moderate correlation in intraclass correlation coefficients for scores of COVERS during both diaper change and heel lance procedures. It has been concluded that the scale is valid and reliable in 27-week-old and older newborns.

Pain assessment and management in the newborn: A systematized review

BACKGROUND

Neonatal pain has been underdiagnosed due to several false beliefs.

AIM

To determine the status of neonatal pain in newborns who are admitted to intensive care units.

METHODS

Different databases were searched. Literature reviews and research reports conducted in newborns that were written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, published between 2010 and 2020, and having free access to the full text were selected. A total of 135 articles were found, and 18 articles were finally reviewed.

RESULTS

Newborns are exposed to numerous painful procedures. In order to assess their pain levels, several scales have been used, although they are sometimes not correctly interpreted. In terms of pain management, the nursing team plays a very important role based mainly on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

CONCLUSION

Nursing staff members must be well trained in order to identify pain and to interpret the scales correctly. Besides, they have an important role in performing non-pharmacological procedures for pain management.

Reduction of visual and auditory stimuli to reduce pain during venipuncture in premature infants. Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of the reduction of visual and auditory stimuli on pain during venipuncture in premature newborns of 32-36 weeks of gestation.

DESIGN

Open, randomized, non-blind parallel clinical trial.

METHOD

Study to take place at the neonatal intensive care unit of a University Hospital in 2019-2021. Fifty-six recently born babies between 32-36 weeks of gestation will participate. The dependent variable is the level of pain determined using the premature infant pain profile instrument. The intervention will be assigned randomly using the random.org software. Data analysis will be carried out using the IBM SPSS v.25 software assuming a level of significance of 5%.

DISCUSSION

The evidence for the efficacy of reducing sensory stimulation and its effect on pain in minor procedures has not been studied in depth. There are no studies that evaluate the reduction of visual and auditory stimuli in a combined way.

IMPACT

It is easy to incorporate the reduction of visual and auditory stimuli into nursing practice. The results of this study could have a direct impact on clinical practice. Trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04041635.