Pain management for infants – Myths, misconceptions, barriers; knowledge and knowledge gaps

Abstract

Twelve years ago, the paper ‘Oral sucrose for pain management in infants: Myths and misconceptions’ was published in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing. At this time, eight myths or misconceptions were addressed. Since this time there has been more than 100 studies published reporting on analgesic effects of sweet solutions in newborns, which have been synthesised and included in systematic reviews. There has also been a growth of literature to support analgesic effects of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care as well as concerning evidence of adverse long-term neurobehavioural outcomes associated with painful procedures. Yet, ongoing studies of pain management practices continue to report incons..