Authors

  1. Lavin Venegas, Carolina MSc, BScN
  2. Taljaard, Monica PhD
  3. Reszel, Jessica MScN, RN
  4. Dunn, Sandra PhD, RN
  5. Graham, Ian D. PhD
  6. Harrold, JoAnn MD, FRCPC
  7. Larocque, Catherine BScN, RN
  8. Nicholls, Becky
  9. Nicholls, Stuart PhD
  10. O'Flaherty, Pat MEd, MN, RN-NNP
  11. Squires, Janet PhD, RN
  12. Stevens, Bonnie PhD, RN
  13. Trepanier, Marie-Josee MEd, BScN, RN, PNC(C)
  14. Harrison, Denise PhD, RN

Abstract

Most newborns undergo newborn screening blood tests. Breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care, and sweet solutions effectively reduce pain; however, these strategies are inconsistently used. We conducted a 2-armed pilot randomized controlled trial in a mother-baby unit to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a parent-targeted and -mediated video demonstrating use of these pain-reducing strategies and to obtain preliminary effectiveness data on uptake of pain management. One hundred parent-newborn dyads were randomized to view the video or receive usual care (51 intervention and 49 control arm). Consent and attrition rates were 70% and 1%, respectively. All participants in the intervention arm received the intervention as planned and reported an intention to recommend the video and to use at least 1 pain treatment with breastfeeding or skin-to-skin care preferred over sucrose. In the intervention arm, 60% of newborns received at least 1 pain treatment compared with 67% in the control arm (absolute difference, -7%; 95% confidence interval, -26 to 12). The video was well accepted and feasible to show to parents. As there was no evidence of effect on the use of pain management, major modifications are required before launching a full-scale trial. Effective means to translate evidence-based pain knowledge is warranted.