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Is venepuncture in neonatal research ethical?
V S Shah1, M al-Khannan, M W Quinn
1Department of Child Health, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Venepuncture in neonates for non-therapeutic research causes minimal distress. Most parents found the procedure acceptable, with a favorable risk-benefit ratio.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Pediatric phlebotomy
Background:
- Assessing infant distress during medical procedures is crucial.
- Venepuncture (blood draw) is common in neonatal research.
- Establishing acceptable distress levels for non-therapeutic research is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if venepuncture in neonates meets British Paediatric Association (BPA) criteria for minimal distress.
- To assess parental and infant psychological and physical distress during neonatal venepuncture for research.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 92 venepunctures in 69 neonates (6-10 days, some day 28).
- Informed parents and allowed attendance during the procedure.
- Used questionnaires for 90 parents and 87 doctors to assess distress and anxiety pre- and post-procedure.
Main Results:
- Only 3 parents reported significant upset; 47% found the procedure better than expected.
- Seven infants were recorded as very upset.
- Doctors underestimated pre-procedure anxiety and post-procedure distress levels.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal venepuncture for research appears acceptable to most parents.
- The procedure demonstrates a favorable risk:benefit ratio based on semiquantitative assessment.
