Effect of Educational Program on Nurses' Performance Regarding Neonatal Palliative Care

Palliative care is a philosophy of care that provides a combination of disease modifying and supportive, compassionate therapies intended to alleviate pain and other symptoms while addressing the emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of neonates and families who are experiencing life threatening progressive illness. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of educational program on nurses' performance regarding neonatal palliative care. A Quasi-experimental research design was used to conduct the current study at neonatal intensive care units in Benha University Hospital, Teaching Hospital and Specialized pediatric Hospital during the period from December, 1024 to June, 2015. Subjects: A convenient sample of 142 nurses was recruited in this study. Tools: Three tools were utilized for data collection: A Structure Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet, Nurses' Practice Observation Checklist, and Attitude Likert Scale. Results: There were statistically significant differences in nurses' knowledge, practice and attitude regarding neonatal palliative care before and after program implementation. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that, the research hypothesis is accepted while it was found that, the educational program are an effective method to improve the nurses' knowledge, practice, and attitude regarding neonatal palliative care. Recommendation: Continuous refreshing training program should be provided in order to update the nurses' knowledge, improve their level of practice, and develop a positive attitude towards neonatal palliative care. Availability and accessibility of written guidelines in hospitals and units related to neonatal palliative care.