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Published on: August 2, 2017
Blood Sampling in Newborns: A Systematic Review of YouTube Videos
Mariana Bueno1, Érika Tihemi Nishi, Taine Costa
1School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (Dr Bueno and Mss Nishi and Costa); Waldemar Monastier Children's Hospital, Campo Largo, Brazil (Ms Costa); and University of Ottawa and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada (Dr Harrison). Ms Freire is a nursing undergraduate student at the School of Nursing of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Abstract:
Objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of YouTube videos showing neonatal blood sampling, and to evaluate pain management and comforting interventions used. Selected videos were consumer- or professional-produced videos showing human newborns undergoing heel lancing or venipuncture for blood sampling, videos showing the entire blood sampling procedure (from the first attempt or puncture to the time of application of a cotton ball or bandage), publication date prior to October 2014, Portuguese titles, available audio. Search terms included "neonate," "newborn," "neonatal screening," and "blood collection." Two reviewers independently screened the videos and extracted the following data. A total of 13 140 videos were retrieved, of which 1354 were further evaluated, and 68 were included. Videos were mostly consumer produced (97%). Heel lancing was performed in 62 (91%). Forty-nine infants (72%) were held by an adult during the procedure. Median pain score immediately after puncture was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0-5), and median length of cry throughout the procedure was 61 seconds (IQR = 88). Breastfeeding (3%) and swaddling (1.5%) were rarely implemented. Posted YouTube videos in Portuguese of newborns undergoing blood collection demonstrate minimal use of pain treatment, and maximal distress during procedures. Knowledge translation strategies are needed to implement effective measures for neonatal pain relief and comfort.

