Effect of In-service Training Program on Obstetric Nurses , Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Painless Labor

: Painless labor is the most trend topic among pregnant women nowadays. Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and lack of training among obstetric nurses' were major obstacles in implementing effective painless labor. Aim of the study: Determine the impact of in-service training program on obstetric nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding painless labor in addition to identify the perceived obstacles related to painless labor among the studied nurses. Subjects and Method: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Setting: This study was carried out at labor units Tanta University and El-Menshawy General Hospitals. Subjects: All nurses (60) who are working at the previously mentioned settings were included. Four tools were used: Tool (I): Obstetric nurses' knowledge questionnaire regarding painless labor, Tool (II): Obstetric nurses' attitudes regarding painless labor,Tool (III): Nurses' practices observational checklist toward painless labor and Tool (IV): Obstacles that prevent the use of painless labor methods among obstetric nurses. Results: obstetric nurses' level of knowledge, attitudes and practices post implementing the in-service training program regarding painless labor was highly improved than pre implementation. Also, the main obstacles that hinder the use of painless labor were; hospital policy in the health care system, difficult of method application among nurses, and unusefulness of painless labor methods related to patient obstacles . Conclusion: Application of the in-service training program achieved significant improvement in obstetric nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to painless labor. Recommendations: Reapplication of the in-service program in other geographical areas in Egypt regarding painless labor.