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Defining Procedural Distress in the NICU and What Can Be Done About It

Martin Schiavenato, Liisa Holsti

    Neonatal Network : NN
    |February 1, 2017
    PubMed

    Insights

    Procedural distress in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) negatively impacts infant neurodevelopment. Strategies like minimizing procedures, supportive care, and analgesia can reduce these harmful effects.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatology
    • Developmental Pediatrics
    • Pediatric Critical Care

    Background:

    • Procedural distress is frequent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
    • It is associated with interventions supporting vulnerable premature infants.
    • Potential negative impacts on infant neurodevelopment are a significant concern.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To define procedural distress in the NICU.
    • To discuss its epidemiology and neurodevelopmental consequences.
    • To outline strategies for mitigation.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review on procedural distress in NICU settings.
    • Epidemiological data analysis.
    • Synthesis of intervention strategies.

    Main Results:

    • Procedural distress is common and linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
    • Three key approaches to reduce distress were identified: minimizing procedures, implementing developmentally supportive care, and utilizing preemptive analgesia (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic).

    Conclusions:

    • Despite its prevalence, effective clinical and administrative measures exist to mitigate the harmful effects of procedural distress in the NICU.
    • Interventions can improve outcomes for premature infants experiencing procedures.

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