Pain in Infants at risk for Neurological Impairment: A Program of Research: Phase 3

Although considerable research has been performed to determine the most effective strategies for managing pain in newborn infants, infants who are born the most premature have been infrequently studied. These infants are usually the smallest and sickest, have the largest number of painful procedures, and are at the greatest risk for the consequences of pain and neurological impairment. However, we do not know how best to assess and manage their pain. Considering that interaction between caregivers and infants is integral to understanding pain in these babies, in this program of 3 research studies, we aim to build on research we have previously conducted with more mature newborn infants to determine (a) how health professionals and parents perceive pain in these very premature infants, (b) which are the best indicators of pain and how they change as the infants mature and (c) how feasible and tolerable selected pain management interventions are for relieving pain from procedures. The results of these studies will increase our knowledge of pain and inform clinical practice for decreasing pain and its consequences in these highly vulnerable newborns.