Non- pharmacological neonatal pain management in the nicu

Abstract

Introduction: Newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are exposed to multiple invasive and painful procedures. Ineffective management of neonatal pain is associated with both short-term and long-term consequences related to the neurodevelopment of the newborn. Pain assessment and management require a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, involving both pharmacological options and non-pharmacological measures.

Purpose: To study non-pharmacological techniques for managing neonatal pain in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and to evaluate their effectiveness.

Methodology: A scoping review was conducted in the PubMed and Science Direct databases, focusing on non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in neonates hospitalized in NICU. Selected articles were primary research studies published between 2015 and 2025, with full-text availability in Greek or English. Review articles, meta-analyses, and studies with questionable or limited methodology were excluded. Selected studies were categorized to facilitate understanding and distinction of the non-pharmacological pain management strategies applied in NICU.

Results: A total of 43 articles were eventually included and the findings are presented in the following categories: Kangaroo care – skin to skin contact, non – nutritive sucking and oral sucrose, breast milk, auditory interventions, neonatal positioning.

Conclusion: Non- pharmacological techniques such as Kangaroo care – skin to skin contact, non – nutritive sucking and oral sucrose, breast milk, auditory interventions, neonatal positioning, provide analgesic effects, either individually or in combination.