Issues and purpose: To present an evidence-based practice protocol for oral sucrose administration to minimize neonatal procedural pain.
Conclusion: Examination of published research may provide additional modalities to expand an established pediatric pain-management program.
Practical implications: The extensive research evaluating oral sucrose supports its inclusion in a pediatric pain-management program. A thorough implementation plan will allow new modalities to be included to optimize procedural pain relief for hospitalized neonates with minimal staff resistance and improved patient outcomes.