www.apjph.comwww.apjph.com
...
Clinical audits
Ref Number: APCP-PP-131

A Clinical Audit on Use of Non-pharmacological Pain Relief Practices during Invasive Neonatal Procedures in the Post Natal Wards of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka

Piumi Madawala¹, Pawanthi Govinnage¹, Tharanga Mannapperuma¹, Nimanthi Rathnayake¹, Sandhya Doluweera¹
1- Castle Street Hospital for Women, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author: Piumi Madawala (piyumimdwl@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Neonates undergoing invasive procedures experience significant pain, which, if untreated, can lead to adverse physiological and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Evidencebased guidelines recommend routine use of simple nonpharmacological pain relief measures such as oral sucrose/glucose, non-nutritive sucking, swaddling, and skin-to-skin care. Despite proven effectiveness, these strategies are often underutilized in routine clinical practice. Objectives: To evaluate current non-pharmacological pain relief practices during invasive procedures in neonates in the postnatal wards of Castle Street Hospital for Women and to assess the impact of targeted interventions. Methods: A prospective observational clinical audit was conducted in postnatal wards. Neonates (0–28 days) undergoing heel prick, venepuncture, or intravenous cannulation were observed. Data were collected using a standardized checklist documenting procedure type and use of non-pharmacological pain relief methods. Following baseline assessment, interventions included displaying educational posters on recommended practices and conducting staff education sessions. A re-audit assessed postintervention improvement. Results: Fifty procedures were observed: heel pricks (23), venepunctures (19), and IVcannulations (8). Pain relief was administered in only 4 procedures (8%), primarily using a dextrose-soaked swab. Consequently , over 90% of neonates did not receive any pain relief, indicating a major practice gap. After targeted interventions, re-audit findings demonstrated a 70% improvement in compliance with recommended practices. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological pain relief during neonatal procedures was markedly underutilized. Simple educational and visual reminder interventions significantly improved practice. Sustained efforts, regular training, and periodic re-audits are recommended to ensure consistent, compassionate pain management for neonates.
Keywords: Non-pharmacological pain relief practices; Natal wards; Invasive neonatal procedures
Presentation Type: Clinical audits
Disclaimer: The Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and not of the journal.
Editor-In-Chief
Journal Office
Mid City Hospital, 3-A Shadman II
Jail Road, Lahore ,Pakistan
Managing Editor
Dr. Intan Juliana Abd Hamid
Support & Help
Assistant Editor
Dr. Sadia Shabbir Hussain
Support & Help
Digital Content Editor
Dr. Khalid Masud
Administrator