Clinical nursing research
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Within the past few years, the assumption that preterm infants experience little or no pain has been challenged in nursing and medical literature. It is not clear to what extent changes have taken place in the practice area. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the beliefs of NICU nurses and physicians about the existence and treatment of pain in preterm infants. ⋯ Both groups identified behavioral and physiological cues to pain recognition. There were differences in initial approaches to treatment. However, both groups indicated that the nurse has the pivotal role in recognition and initiation of treatment to reduce or eliminate pain.