Effect of Applying Post Anesthesia Care Competency Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 B.Sc. Nursing Science - Menoufia University

2 professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

3 Assistant Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

4 lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Post anesthesia care unit (PACU) is considered as the gold standard practice for the management of post operative complications. Purpose: To assess the effect of applying post anesthesia care competency program on nurses’ knowledge and practices. Design: A quasi experimental research design (one group pre/posttest) was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in post anesthesia care unit in general surgery and orthopedic surgery at Menoufia University Hospital. Sampling: A convenience sample of all available nurses (50) nurses who are working in the selected setting were selected. Instruments: Two instruments were used structured interview questionnaire about post anesthesia care and observational checklist for post anesthesia care competency assessment checklist). Results: There was highly statistical significant improvement in nurses’ total knowledge mean score in post program (78.2±4.31) and in follow- up (77.6±3.99) than preprogram (51.8±5.92). Also, there was highly statistically significant improvement in nurses’ total mean practice related to post anesthesia care in post program (97.6±4.70) and follow up (93.8±5.59) than preprogram (49.7±15.1). Conclusions: Post anesthesia care competency program was effective in improving nurses’ knowledge and related to post anesthesia care unit. Recommendations: The study suggested that post anesthesia care unit should be equipped with simple illustrated educational guidelines covering knowledge & practice about post anesthesia care.

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