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

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.