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Neonatal pain in a broader perspective: an analysis through systems thinking
Silvia Naujorks1, Julieli Rosso1, Luana Pizarro Meneghello1
1Universidade Franciscana, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da U S P
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Systemic thinking offers a new framework for understanding neonatal pain complexity in intensive care. This approach promotes integrated, multidisciplinary, and humanized care for newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Systemic Thinking
- Pain Management
Background:
- Neonatal pain is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon.
- Current care models may adopt reductionist approaches.
- A systemic perspective is needed for comprehensive neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze neonatal pain through the lens of Fritjof Capra's systemic thinking.
- To highlight the complex and multidimensional nature of pain in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- To explore how systemic characteristics guide multidisciplinary care for newborns.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of neonatal pain from a complexity perspective.
- Drawing parallels between reductionist and systemic approaches to care.
- Observing characteristics of the neonatal system for care guidance.
Main Results:
- Systemic-complex thinking reveals pain as integral, multidisciplinary, and interconnected.
- This framework enhances understanding of pain perception in NICU newborns and care teams.
- It supports integrated, humanized care sensitive to infant and environmental particularities.
Conclusions:
- Systemic-complex thinking is crucial for understanding neonatal pain multidimensionality.
- Implications for neonatal nursing include continuous, contextualized pain assessment.
- Competency development for integrated management and multidisciplinary coordination is essential.
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