A Parent-Targeted and Mediated Video Intervention to Improve Uptake of Pain Treatment for Infants During Newborn Screening: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2019 Jan/Mar;33(1):74-81. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0000000000000386.

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.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Neonatal Screening / adverse effects*
  • Neonatal Screening / methods
  • Ontario
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / prevention & control*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Measurement*
  • Parents / education*
  • Parents / psychology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Reference Values
  • Sweetening Agents / administration & dosage
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Video Recording

Substances

  • Sweetening Agents