"Skin-to-Skin" Contact in Pain Prevention in Preterm Infants: Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract

The present study is a systematic review of the literature that aimed to analyze the national and international scientific production on the effectiveness of skin-to-skin contact included in the Kangaroo Method for preventive pain management in preterm infants. The literature review was performed in the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO and PsycINFO databases covering the period between 2010 and 2017, using the descriptors kangaroo mother care method, skin-to-skin, pain and infant/newborn. The search returned 12 articles, which constituted the corpus of the review. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of skin-to-skin contact as an acute pain relief technique in preterm infants. The time staying in the Kangaroo position that was more effective for pain relief was 30 minutes prior to the routine painful procedure in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In addition, the most effective way to assess pain was through the systematic observation of behavioral and physiological indicators, highlighting the importance of the use of validated and sensitive psychometric instruments for pain in preterm infants. It was also emphasized that skin-to-skin contact can provide other benefits, such as promoting and strengthening the mother-baby attachment and encouraging breastfeeding.

Keywords:
Kangaroo mother care method; skin-to-skin; pain; premature