A quasi experimental study to assess the effect of swaddling on management of pain during heel prick among neonates admitted in NICU

Pain is a common and a ubiquitous sensation for neonates and adult. Routine procedures (heel prick) are the most frequent painful medical procedure during neonatal period. Swaddling is one of the methods which keeps the neonate relax and thus reduce pain during heel prick.

Aim is to assess the effect ofswaddling on management ofpain during heelprickamong neonates.

Study design used is quasi-experimental research design. Study setting includes NICU of G. G. 3. Medical Hospital, Faridkot. Studypopulation is 70 neonates who are delivered by lower segment cesarean section or normal vaginal delivery after 32 weeks of gestational age. Convenient sampling technique was used. PlPP-Rpain scale was used to assess level ofpain and Socio demographic data sheet to collect baseline information.

Majority 20% of the neonates in the experimental group perceived mild-moderate pain and only 1.4% had moderate-severe pain during heel prick using swaddling at 30 seconds. 45.5% of neonates perceived no pain and 4.28% had minimum pain during heel prick using swaddling at 60 seconds. 30% of the neonates in the Conventional care group had mild-moderate pain, only 2.85% had minimum pain and no pain during heel prick using Conventional care at 30 seconds. 25. 7% ofneonates had mild-moderate pain and 12.8% had no pain during heelprick using Conventional care at 60 seconds There is significant decrease in pain score in swaddling group as compared to Conventional care group with p≤0. 05.

There is significant difference in the pain score during heel prick with swaddling. This reduction in the pain results in judicious application of this intervention, backed by awareness and sensitivity to pain perception, on part ofcaregivers is likely to yield the best results.