VALIDATION OF A SCALE OF ASSESSMENT OF PAIN IN INFANTS IN NEONATAL UNIT

Abstract

Givens Neonatal Pain Assessment Scale, allows determining the presence and the degree of pain in Newborns (RN) hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICU) present, in order to constantly assess the vital signs and take the necessary measures to reduce pain sensation. Feeling pain is an undesirable state, where the physiological pattern and the children consciousness state is altered; it is necessary to consistently apply scales that helps illustrate the real magnitude as well as adopting preventive actions and nursing care, to promote tranquility of the RN. The research, aimed to validate the Givens Neonatal Pain Assessment Scale at Neonatal Unit from Dr. Hernan Henríquez Aravena Hospital, during the period April to September 2010. The study uses a cross-sectional design, which determined validity and reliability of the instrument. The research delivers a valid and reliable instrument to measure the presence and degree of pain in neonates. Thus, we determined a Cronbach´s alpha of 0,78 and a total percentage of variance of 57,72. The analysis suggested the elimination of two items of value, leaving with two domains (Behavioral, and Physiological), establishing that the Neonatal Pain Assessment Scale, is suitable for objective assessment, making a contribution in Neonatal Care Units, contributing to the purpose of improving the quality of hospitalization of these users and granting Ministerial compliance with the standard and quality of care.