Effect of Implementing Learning Package of Nesting and Swaddling for Premature Infants on Nurses' Knowledge and Performance in NICU

Abstract

Premature infants surviving require advanced medical interventions and professional nursing care. Despite the innovative interventions in the medical field, they remain vulnerable for long-term complications, which is the result of early disruption of their intrauterine life and sudden exposure to an entirely unfamiliar NICU environment. One strategy for helping premature grows normally in NICU is developmental care, which includes positioning, nesting, and swaddling as daily routine care. This study aims to assess the effect of learning package regarding nesting and swaddling for premature on nurses knowledge and performance in NICU. A quasi-experimental research design using one group (pre, immediately post and three months later) was used for this study. Setting: The study was conducted at NICU in Abha Maternity and Child Hospital (AMCH), Abah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Subjects: 77 nurses who work in the previously mentioned NICU as a convenience sample. Tools: two tools used to collect the study: A Structured questionnaire sheet to assess nurses' knowledge regarding nesting and swaddling and the observation sheet to assess nurses' performance of nesting and swaddling in NICU. Results: There was a statistically significant difference regarding nurses' knowledge and performance about nesting and swaddling immediately after and three months later compared with before learning package. Conclusion: There was a significant positive effect of implementing learning package in improving nurses’ knowledge and performance about nesting and swaddling in NICU for premature infants. Recommendations: Neonatal nurses must be provided with the best evidence about applying nesting and swaddling techniques for premature infants as a standard of developmentally supportive care in the NICUs.