Improving nurses' knowledge and skills regarding tocolytics for inhibiting preterm labor

Research Abstract

Background: Approximately 10% of all pregnant women who experience an episode of threatened preterm labor requiring hospital admission and Tocolytic therapy may be considered for them. Nursing care is the main critical component of this therapy. Nurses' Knowledge deficit and poor practical skills regarding tocolytics and its administration, care, surely, will interfere with their ability to achieve consistent and positive patient care outcomes. Aim: assess the impact of an instructional program on knowledge and practices of maternity nurses regarding pregnant women with tocolytics administration for inhibiting preterm labor. Subjects and Methods: quasi-experimental design for all nurses (30) working in the inpatient of obstetrics and gynaecology department in all general hospitals in Port Said city. Tools: three tools were used; structured interview questionnaire, Pre/post-test knowledge assessment sheet & an observation checklist. Results: The mean age of the studied subject is 30.6 ± 10.3. The majority (86.6%) of them had nursing secondary school. A significant difference is observed between scores of knowledge, the mean scoring (4.79±1.735) in pre-test compared with (18.08±1.911) in post-test (p<0.001). A significant difference in the improvement of skills between pre and post-test (X2=17.633, P<0.01). Conclusion: There is a progression of satisfactory score and regression of unsatisfactory one. The knowledge and practical scoring in the post-test is better than pre-test related to the implementation of the educational program. Recommendation: Continuing educational programs should be developed to teach and train nurses about care of preterm, complete assessment of maternal history, accurate examination of preterm labor and knowledge of tocolytics drugs.

Research Keywords

preterm labor, tocolytics, educational program.