Kangaroo method in analgesia in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: integrative review

Abstract

The study aims to systematize scientific knowledge about the impacts of the Kangaroo Mother Care on pain relief in premature newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The guiding question was: “What is the impact of the Kangaroo Method to alleviate the pain of premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?”. The bibliographical research was carried out in the ScienceDirect database from 2016 to 2021, including articles in English, involving the Method associated with the assessment of pain in neonates and studies that address the experience of parents/health professionals regarding pain and use of Kangaroo Care as an intervention. 19 articles were included. The Kangaroo Method was highlighted as effective in relieving pain in 14 articles, 6 recommended it during invasive procedures, 4 articles identified the demands of health professionals, pointing out the difficulties of implementing the Method and the benefits perceived by the team, and 7 articles addressed the view of mothers/fathers about the Kangaroo Mother Care and the benefits obtained from the practice. It is concluded that the Kangaroo Mother Care is an effective non-pharmacological measure for pain relief in preterm infants. The babies showed increased physiological stability, reduced infection and increased breastfeeding. The physical and emotional proximity provided is also beneficial to parents, it increases the mother-baby bond and breastfeeding. Nurses pointed out lack of time and high work demand as difficulties in implementing the intervention.