Organisational Challenges of Pain Management in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study Publisher Pubmed



Neshat H¹ ; Hassankhani H¹ ; Jabraeili M¹ ; Negarandeh R²
Source: BMJ Open Published:2023

Abstract

Objectives Despite credible evidence, optimal neonates' pain management in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a challenging issue. In this regard, the organisational context is an essential factor. The existing challenges vary depending on the context, and investigating them can help to improve the quality of care. The study aimed to explore organisational challenges to neonates' pain management in the NICU. Methods This qualitative study included 31 nurses and physicians in the NICU of Children's Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Data collection was done through individual and focus group interviews. For data analysis, we used conventional content analysis. Results The identified challenges included organisational culture (poor interprofessional collaboration and low parental participation), organisational structure (lack of unified approach in relieving pain and limited supervision for pain management) and organisational resources (lack of time due to high workload and inadequate educational programmes). Conclusions Many organisational factors consistently affect neonatal pain management. Adopting some approaches to enhance the cooperation of treatment team members, holding educational programmes, proper organisational supervision and implementing a unified neonatal-based pain management programme could improve neonatal pain management. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.