Ouch that was sore: Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science students’ knowledge and perceptions of neonate pain assessment

Abstract

Introduction: A neonate is subjected to pain in a variety of invasive and non-invasive activities. It is significant that the midwife assesses for pain in the neonate due to their inability to give verbal expression to their pain. The study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of Advanced Midwifery students’ attitudes, knowledge and perceptions on pain assessment in neonates. Method: A qualitative content analysis using Elo and Knynas’ (2008) approach, explored the participants’ experiences of neonatal pain assessment. Purposive sampling allowed for the selection of Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science students from a select university. Data were collected through a focus group discussion for an extended period to ensure data saturation and that no new information emerged. Results: The following three categories emerged: elimination process, restricted assessment and non-standardised approach. Conclusion: Pain was not given primacy as an indicator of neonatal discomfort. There was a paucity of knowledge on the assessment tools, with haphazard assessment, which lacked a scientific approach.

Keywords

• Neonatal pain assessment
• Midwives
• Perceptions