Non-Pharmacological Pain and Stress Management (N-PPSM) in Pediatric Wards: A Nurses' Perspective.

PURPOSE: To describe the nurses' use of non-pharmacological pain and stress management (N-PPSM) in pediatric wards and their perceptions of the benefits and perceived barriers that encourage and limited their use of these methods. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 125 nurses working in the pediatric ward of an Indonesian hospital. Data collection utilized modified non-pharmacological method questionnaires, and data analysis involved t-tests and ANOVA. RESULTS: The most widely used N-PPSM by nurses are cognitive methods such as providing education (48%), physical methods by positioning (40%), emotional support (36%), environmental support (45%), and family support (60%). Nurses stated that N-PPSM had few side effects (50.4%), were inexpensive (49.6%), could be performed independently (51.2%), and were easy to use (52.8%). However, during its implementation, there were several obstacles including lack of experience (42.4%), lack of training (48%), lack of equipment (45.6%), nurse belief (36.8%), lack of time (44%), patient unwilling (47.2%), and patient belief (41.6%). Work experience influences the overall utilization of N-PPSM (p-value = .043). CONCLUSION: The findings from this research emphasize the significance of enhanced training for nurses working in the utilization of N-PPSM in pediatric wards. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study can enhance nurses' knowledge and competence in using N-PPSM in pediatric wards, thus improving patient care. Hospitals may consider implementing new policies, education, training, and infrastructure to support N-PPSM. Educational institutions can also incorporate these methods into nursing curricula, increasing nurses' awareness and skills in using N-PPSM in pediatric patients.

" We never considered it important ": a qualitative study on perceived barriers on use of non-pharmacological methods in management of labour pain by nurse-midwives in eastern Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of women experience labour without effective pain management and thus suffer from unbearable labour pain to the extent they term labour as the most agonizing event in their lives. Unresolved labour pain can lead to stress, fear, and confusion, which may compromise placental perfusion and lead to birth asphyxia. Although various pharmacological and non-pharmacological labour pain management methods exist, the use of non-pharmacological methods (NPMs) to manage labour pain has remained low in low-resource settings. This paper explored the barriers for using NPMs to manage labour pain by nurse-midwives in eastern Tanzania. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 18 nurse-midwives purposefully recruited from the labour wards of two selected district hospitals in eastern Tanzania. Qualitative content analysis guided the data analysis. RESULTS: Two categories illustrating barriers to using NPMs were generated: individual-level and institutional-level barriers. Individual-level barriers include (i) limited competencies of nurse-midwives on the use of NPMs for managing labour pain, (ii) inadequate exposure to labour pain management practices, (iii) misconceptions about labour pain relief, and (iv) a lack of opportunities for knowledge acquisition. The institutional barriers include (i) a critical staff shortage amidst many clients and (ii) an unfavourable healthcare facility environment. CONCLUSION: The implementation of NPMs for labour pain management by nurse-midwives in eastern Tanzania faces several institutional and individual barriers. We recommend addressing both supply- and demand-side barriers. Strengthening nurse midwives' competencies in NPMs adoption and use and improving the facility environment to ensure privacy during labour can be a starting point for addressing supply-side issues. We recommend dispelling myths and misconceptions through health promotion education to address demand-side barriers.

The Effect of Alternating Application of Cold and Hot Compresses on Reduction of Breast Engorgement Among Lactating Mothers.

BACKGROUND: Breast engorgement is a common issue that affects breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Engorgement can cause exhaustion, making it difficult to care for and feed the infant, and it can cause a mother to wean her baby before she intends to initiate breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the alternating application of cold and hot compresses in reducing breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Design, sample size and setting: A quasi-experimental study design is used to conduct this study. A purposeful sample of 100 lactating mothers was screened in the postnatal ward for the presence of breast engorgement. The 100 mothers with engorgement were divided into two equal groups of 50 mothers each - the first group (the intervention) and the second group (the control) - at the postnatal ward of King Abdulaziz Hospital-National Guard in Alahsa City. Sampling and tools: The data collection was conducted over five months, from January 2023 until May 2023. Data collection was done through a structured interview questionnaire sheet. The questionnaire was divided into six parts: socio-demographic data, obstetric and initial women assessment, the six-point engorgement scale (SPES), the visual analog scale (VAS), the LATCH breastfeeding charting scale, and the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). RESULT: The present study found no statistically significant difference between the study intervention and control groups in breast engorgement, LATCH level, or overall level of breastfeeding assessment before the intervention. While, in terms of breast engorgement, pain level, attachment, and LATCH, the overall levels of infant breastfeeding assessment across study time had a statistically significant variance among the study and control groups after the intervention at p values=<0.001. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The alternating application of cold and hot compresses can have a significant role in reducing breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Women should be encouraged to use hot compresses and cold gel packs as an alternative treatment to reduce engorgement and promote comfort. In addition, the study results can be utilized to aid Saudi Arabian nurses and midwives in understanding the advantages of applying a cold gel pack and a hot compress and to decrease levels of engorgement, improve latch, and relieve discomfort.

The effectiveness of interventions in reducing pain related to orthodontic separation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pain is an unpleasant experience and annoying sensation. To control this pain during orthodontic separation, different pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods have been used. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically assess the evidence of the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in reducing pain induced by orthodontic separation. SEARCH STRATEGY: An electronic search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed® (Medline), Scopus®, EMBASE®, Web of ScienceTM, Google ScholarTM, ProQuest, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) searching for the studies published between January 2012 and April 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, each experimental group included patients who received elastomeric separators and one kind of pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions for pain reduction during the separation stage. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Cochrane's risk of bias tool (RoB2 tool) was applied. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE] approach was used to evaluate the strength of the evidence. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies (RCTs) were included in this systematic review. Nineteen of them were appropriate for quantitative synthesis and used VAS for pain assessment. Meta-analysis showed that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was an effective approach for pain relief after separators placement with standard mean difference of 13.79 mm (95% confidence interval (CI): -15.64, -11.94) at 6 h and 23.34 mm at 24 h (95% CI: -25.91, -20.77). LLLT was also effective when applied in split-mouth and the standard mean difference was 8.9 mm at 6 h (95% CI: -12.86, -3.33) and 17.15 mm at 24 h (95% CI: -30.12, -4.17). Ibuprofen had a pain control effect at 6 h and at 24 h compared with the placebo group. The standard mean difference was 14.37 mm (95% CI: -20.54, -8.19) and 20.46 mm (95% CI: -27.79, -13.13), respectively. There was no difference in pain control between ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Naproxen had lower visual analog scale scores in pain perception at 6 h and the standard mean difference was 7.03 mm (95% CI: -12.67, -1.40). CONCLUSIONS: The application of LLLT decreased the pain induced by the separation during the first day of teeth separation; the pain reduction showed an increase from 6 h to the end of the 24 h. However, the evidence is weak to moderate. The analgesics reduced the pain compared to placebo; this pain reduction had shown an increase from 6 h to the end of the 24 h. The strength of the evidence is moderate. Naproxen gel effectively reduced the pain compared to placebo; the evidence in this regard is moderate. Naproxen gel effectively reduced the pain compared to placebo, but it was less effective than the oral intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the evidence in this regard is moderate. REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022335553) during the first stages of its conduction.

Non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods: utilization and associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, pharmacological pain relief methods have been the most acceptable option for controlling labor pain, accompanied by numerous adverse consequences. Non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods can reduce labor pain while maintaining an effective and satisfying delivery experience and delaying the use of pharmacological methods. This study explores the utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods and its associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was conducted in Maternal and Children Hospital/Najran, Saudi Arabia, from April to May 2023 and incorporated a convenience sample of 164 midwives and maternity nurses. The data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire composed of five sections; basic data, facility-related factors, non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization and attitude scales, and knowledge quiz. A logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors with non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization. RESULTS: The results revealed that 68.3% of participants utilized non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods. The midwives and maternity nurses helped the parturient to tolerate labor pain by applying the non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods, including; positioning (55.5%), breathing exercises (53.7%), comfortable and relaxing environment (52.4%), therapeutic communication (47%), positive reinforcement (40.9%), relaxation (40.2%), and therapeutic touch (31%). In addition, working unit, providers-patient ratio, working hours, non-pharmacological labor pain relive training, years of experience, and non-pharmacological labor pain relive attitude were significant determinants of non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization was significantly associated with nurses' older age and higher education, working in the delivery room, lower nurse-patient ratio, lower working hours, in-services training, increased years of experience, and positive attitude. The study sheds light on the importance of handling the pre-mentioned factors to enhance non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization.

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Methods of Postoperative Pain Control Following Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Background: We aimed to investigate the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used for mitigating pain. Methods: We integrated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) chosen from PubMed, Google scholar, and Scopus and aimed at assessing the effectiveness of one or multiple variants of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as Narcotic analgesics, compared to corticosteroids, curcumin, hyaluronic acid, and antibiotics. In addition, trials utilizing NSAIDs, including Rofecoxib, which have been withdrawn from market circulation, were deemed ineligible for inclusion. Result: A total of 9 RCTs were evaluated in this study, and the patients' postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the time measurement. Moreover, there were various approaches to alleviating pain and discomfort. Conclusion: The administration of ibuprofen prior to surgery leads to a marked reduction in pain. Pharmacological interventions, such as the administration of dexamethasone and oxycodone, alongside non-pharmacological interventions, such as laser therapy, have been shown to effectively alleviate the discomfort resulting from surgical procedures on the jaw and face.

Utilidad de las terapias complementarias en el manejo de dolor durante el parto: una revisión integradora / Utility of complementary therapies in pain management during childbirth: an integrative literature review

Introducción: El dolor de parto es uno de los aspectos que más preocupan a las futuras madres. La enfermería vela por el bienestar de las pacientes en todas sus vertientes y cabe tener presente que existen diversas opciones complementarias a la analgesia epidural. Objetivo: Identificar las terapias complementarias que puedan aplicarse de forma efectiva y segura en embarazadas, analizar los factores que contribuyan a un mayor bienestar para la parturienta y evaluar su utilidad. Método: Revisión integradora de la literatura realizada mediante la búsqueda en las bases de datos online: PubMed, Scopus y Dialnet. Se incluyeron artículos cuya fecha de publicación no fuese superior a los 10 años previos a la búsqueda, redactados en inglés, español o portugués y de acceso abierto. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 16 artículos cuya temática giraba en torno a la aplicación de diferentes terapias complementarias utilizadas con seguridad en mujeres embarazadas. Se tuvieron en cuenta los resultados de la aplicación de diferentes técnicas complementarias en estudios previos y se agruparon según tipología: intervenciones cuerpo-mente, práctica médica alternativa, métodos de curación manual, inmersión en agua y pelota suiza, aromaterapia y auriculoterapia y estimulación nerviosa eléctrica transcutánea. Conclusión: Se evidencia la variedad de terapias complementarias cuya aplicación resulta efectiva y segura en el momento del parto, así como su utilidad para disminuir los inconvenientes presentes durante esta etapa, acrecentando así, la experiencia positiva del parto. (AU)

Introduction: Labour pain is one of the most worrying things for future mothers. Nurses ensure the well-being of patients in all these aspects and it should be noted that there are various complementary options to epidural analgesia. Objective: To identify the complementary therapies that could be applied effectively and safely in pregnant women, to analyse the contributing factors of greater well-being for the parturient and to evaluate their utility. Method: this integrative review were carried out in online databases: PubMed, Scopus and Dialnet, Articles whose publication date was not more than ten years ago, written in English, Spanish or Portuguese and open access were included. Results: 16 studies about the application of different complementary therapies used safely in pregnant were included and analysed. The obtained results of the application of complementary techniques in previous studies were taken into account and agruped according to typology: body-mind interventions, alternative medical practice, manual healing methods, immersion in water and swiss ball, aromatherapy and auriculotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Conclusion: The variety of effective and safe complementary therapies on labour is evidencied, as well as their usefulness to reduce the possible incoveniences that may appear during this process, increasing the positive experience of labour. (AU)

Mindful breathing as an effective technique in the management of hypertension.

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most important, modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The popularity of wearable devices provides an opportunity to test whether device guided slow mindful breathing may serve as a non-pharmacological treatment in the management of hypertension. Methods: Fitbit Versa-3 and Sense devices were used for this study. In addition, participants were required to own an FDA or Health Canada approved blood pressure measuring device. Advertisements were shown to 655,910 Fitbit users, of which 7,365 individuals expressed interest and filled out the initial survey. A total of 1,918 participants entered their blood pressure readings on at least 1 day and were considered enrolled in the study. Participants were instructed to download a guided mindful breathing app on their smartwatch device, and to engage with the app once a day prior to sleep. Participants measured their systolic and diastolic blood pressure prior to starting each mindful breathing session, and again after completion. All measurements were self reported. Participants were located in the United States or Canada. Results: Values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced following mindful breathing. There was also a decrease in resting systolic and diastolic measurements when measured over several days. For participants with a systolic pressure ≥ 130 mmHg, there was a decrease of 9.7 mmHg following 15 min of mindful breathing at 6 breaths per minute. When measured over several days, the resting systolic pressure decreased by an average of 4.3 mmHg. Discussion: Mindful breathing for 15 min a day, at a rate of 6 breaths per minute is effective in lowering blood pressure, and has both an immediate, and a short term effect (over several days). This large scale study demonstrates that device guided mindful breathing with a consumer wearable for 15 min a day is effective in lowering blood pressure, and a helpful complement to the standard of care.

Cuidados de enfermagem à mulher com dor do parto: transformações a partir da pesquisa-ação participativa / Nursing care for women with pain in childbirth: changes from participatory action research / Cuidados de enfermería para las mujeres con dolor en el parto: cambios con respecto a la investigación-accíon participativa

Evidências científicas apontam o excesso de intervenções prejudiciais na atenção às mulheres durante o parto, causando desconforto e dor. O uso de métodos não invasivos e não farmacológicos para alívio da dor do parto implica na participação efetiva da equipe de enfermagem. Objetivo geral: transformar o cuidado de enfermagem às mulheres durante o parto, por meio da utilização de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor. Objetivos específicos: sensibilizar profissionais de enfermagem para o cuidado à mulher com dor do parto; analisar a percepção das profissionais de enfermagem sobre o parto; descrever o conhecimento sobre o cuidado às mulheres por meio do uso de métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor e construir coletivamente uma proposta de estratégias para a utilização de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor do parto. Metodologia: estudo descritivo de natureza qualitativa utilizando a abordagem da pesquisa-ação participativa em saúde. Participaram do estudo 18 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital na Bahia. Os dados foram organizados no software Atlas.ti, categorizados e analisados. Resultados: As participantes percebem o parto normal como experiência positiva; a dor do parto foi descrita como intensa, porém naturalizada; conhecem métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor e o definem como um cuidado qualificado. Bola, cavalinho, massagem, banho, deambulação, musicoterapia e aromaterapia foram os métodos mais citados e também utilizados pelas participantes. As dificuldades para realização do cuidado são insuficiência de pessoal; ambiente inadequado; despreparo de profissionais e de acompanhantes; e dificuldade na interação da equipe. As estratégias desenvolvidas foram: oficina de capacitação para o uso dos métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor, alocação de espaço destinado ao uso dos métodos pelas mulheres em trabalho de parto, elaboração e divulgação local de tecnologias educativas sobre estes métodos. Ao final da pesquisa, verificamos que o total de mulheres atendidas que utilizaram métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor dobrou, em relação à média dos seis meses anteriores, passando de 10% para 23%. Conclusão: A experiência evidencia a importância da utilização da abordagem participativa como mediadora de transformações nas práticas de cuidado em saúde, tanto do ponto de vista da melhoria da qualidade do cuidado prestado às mulheres, como na criação e fortalecimento de vínculos entre as profissionais. A pesquisa possibilitou, ainda, aprofundamento da integração ensino-serviço e maior inserção social do Programa de Pós-graduação em Enfermagem.(AU)

Cuidados de enfermagem à mulher com dor do parto: transformações a partir da pesquisa-ação participativa / Nursing care for women with pain in childbirth: changes from participatory action research / Cuidados de enfermería para las mujeres con dolor en el parto: cambios con respecto a la investigación-accíon participativa

Evidências científicas apontam o excesso de intervenções prejudiciais na atenção às mulheres durante o parto, causando desconforto e dor. O uso de métodos não invasivos e não farmacológicos para alívio da dor do parto implica na participação efetiva da equipe de enfermagem. Objetivo geral: transformar o cuidado de enfermagem às mulheres durante o parto, por meio da utilização de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor. Objetivos específicos: sensibilizar profissionais de enfermagem para o cuidado à mulher com dor do parto; analisar a percepção das profissionais de enfermagem sobre o parto; descrever o conhecimento sobre o cuidado às mulheres por meio do uso de métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor e construir coletivamente uma proposta de estratégias para a utilização de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor do parto. Metodologia: estudo descritivo de natureza qualitativa utilizando a abordagem da pesquisa-ação participativa em saúde. Participaram do estudo 18 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital na Bahia. Os dados foram organizados no software Atlas.ti, categorizados e analisados. Resultados: As participantes percebem o parto normal como experiência positiva; a dor do parto foi descrita como intensa, porém naturalizada; conhecem métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor e o definem como um cuidado qualificado. Bola, cavalinho, massagem, banho, deambulação, musicoterapia e aromaterapia foram os métodos mais citados e também utilizados pelas participantes. As dificuldades para realização do cuidado são insuficiência de pessoal; ambiente inadequado; despreparo de profissionais e de acompanhantes; e dificuldade na interação da equipe. As estratégias desenvolvidas foram: oficina de capacitação para o uso dos métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor, alocação de espaço destinado ao uso dos métodos pelas mulheres em trabalho de parto, elaboração e divulgação local de tecnologias educativas sobre estes métodos. Ao final da pesquisa, verificamos que o total de mulheres atendidas que utilizaram métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor dobrou, em relação à média dos seis meses anteriores, passando de 10% para 23%. Conclusão: A experiência evidencia a importância da utilização da abordagem participativa como mediadora de transformações nas práticas de cuidado em saúde, tanto do ponto de vista da melhoria da qualidade do cuidado prestado às mulheres, como na criação e fortalecimento de vínculos entre as profissionais. A pesquisa possibilitou, ainda, aprofundamento da integração ensino-serviço e maior inserção social do Programa de Pós-graduação em Enfermagem.