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Updated: May 19, 2026

Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
[Effect of non-pharmacological methods for alleviation of pain in newborns]
1Lékarská Fakulta Ostravské Univerzity v Ostrave, Ústav Osetrocatelství a Porodní Asistence. janachroma@centrum.cz
Background:
The aim of the paper is to analyze currently most used non-pharmacological methods for pain alleviation in newborns for the best evidence-based practice.
Methods:
Source of the required data for the period 2000-2011 were electronic licensed and freely accessible databases. Evaluation found evidence (30 studies) was carried out according to the table-level evidence (Fineout-Overholt, Johnston 2005). The selection was included in the evidence level I, II, III.
Results:
Nutritive sucking is currently considered the most effective method for alleviating pain in newborns. Analysis of studies shows that non-pharmacological methods used to control pain in neonates are much more effective when used in combination with other non-pharmacological methods, such as music therapy, swaddling, facilitated tucking, multiple-stimulation, kangaroo care and non-nutritive suction.
Conclusions:
Non-pharmacological procedures are effective and lead to pain relief especially in procedural performance as heel lancet and venipuncture for blood sampling, etc.
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