Parental presence during painful or invasive procedures in neonatology: A survey of healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background: Newborns in neonatology are exposed to invasive and painful procedures. The absence of parents during procedures revealed significantly high pain scores.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess practices regarding the role of parents during painful and invasive procedures.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter study in France in which 471 caregivers participated. Professional practices regarding the role of parents during painful procedures on their child were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with parental presence during painful procedures.

Results: Parental presence was most often allowed during capillary blood sampling, nasogastric tube insertions, and vein punctures, whereas it was mostly restricted during central line insertions, extubations, lumbar punctures, and intubations. However, we found discrepancies depending on the type of facility and caregiver seniority.

Conclusion: An important variability in practices concerning the role of parents during painful and invasive procedures on their child was reported.

Keywords: Family traduction; Infant; Intensive Care Unit; Neonatal; Newborn; Nursing care; Pain management.