Each year, approximately 300 preterm or frail newborns are cared for in SC neonatal intensive care University neonatology of Turin.
These young patients undergo necessary but potentially painful procedures, with significant effects on brain development and psychophysical well-being. Pain perception in premature infants is widespread and difficult to interpret, making accurate assessment of physiological parameters critical to reduce risk and stress.
What the project involves
The project introduces an innovative pain and stress monitoring tool, based on conductance sensors placed on newborns' hands and feet. This instrument allows the individual response of the newborn to care maneuvers –such as blood samples or intubations – and the effectiveness of pain containment measures to be measured objectively.
The system also allows the positive impact of parental closeness during procedures to be assessed, helping to reduce stress and pain. The data collected will be used to improve clinical practices, ensure personalized interventions and disseminate publishable knowledge at an institutional level.
The beneficiaries
The project directly involves about 300 preterm or pathological infants admitted to the NICU, with the aim of improving their experience and neuroevolutionary development. Indirectly, it also benefits families, offering them support and participation tools, and the entire healthcare staff, who will be able to adopt more effective protocols based on objective data.
The expected result is a safer, more attentive care environment centered on the needs of the fragile newborn, with a lasting impact on the future health of young patients.
Project name: PREVENIRE IL DOLORE E LO STRESS NEL NEONATO FRAGILE
Proposing organisation: Associazione Piccoli Passi ODV
Area of intervention: Health & Welfare
Country: Italy