Effect of Educational program on Nurses' Performance Regarding Acquired Skin injuries at Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Bachlor Science of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

2 Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

3 Assistant Prof. of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: the skin of the neonate is less in thickness and more fragile than that of older 
infants requiring special nursing care to prevent acquired skin injuries in neonates. Maintaining 
skin integrity and prevention of skin injuries help to prevent complications to neonates and costs 
for the healthcare systems. Aim: the present study aimed to determine the effect of educational 
program on nurses’ performance regarding acquired skin injuries at Neonatal Intensive Care 
Units. Design: quasi experiment research design Settings: the present study was conducted at 
Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Tanta University Hospital and Itay Elbaroud General Hospital. 
Subjects: a convenience sampling of 90 nurses working in the previously mentioned settings. 
Tools: two tools of data collection were used; a structured interview schedule for assessment of 
nurses’ knowledge and observational checklists for assessment of nurses’ practice regarding the 
skin care of neonates. Results: total scores of nurses’ knowledge and practices improved after the 
educational program. There were statistically significant differences between nurses’ knowledge 
and practice before, immediately after and three months after the educational program. 
Conclusion: Implementation of educational program regarding skin injuries improves nurses’ 
performance at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Recommendations: Integrating the preventive 
care measures of acquired skin injuries in the routine care of the neonates. Continuous in service 
training about acquired skin injuries should be provided for neonatal nurses.