Nurses' knowledge versus their performance regarding the care of neonates undergoing phototherapy in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Neonatal period is the first weeks of life. Some neonates during this period are 'at risk' for various health problems. Neonatal jaundice is the most common medical condition in neonates, whether physiologic or pathologic which required medical attention. It is first noticed in the face then it descends downwards as the bilirubin level increases. Phototherapy is the standard of care for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates, where blue wavelengths of light are employed to alter unconjugated bilirubin in the skin. Neonatal nurse is the person who is responsible for providing the neonates with the essential care. She is responsible for the assessment of neonates for early detection of problems and initiation of prompt management. Providing care to a neonate with hyperbilirubin-emia requires knowledge and skills from the nurse to achieve optimal outcomes. This study aims to investigate nurses' knowledge versus their performance regarding the care of neonates' underphoto-therapy. A convenient sample of 50 neonatal nurses from Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Care Units of Maternity hospital located in El-Sabah Medical Region-Kuwait was the study subjects. Data were collected through an observational checklist for nurses' performance regarding care of neonates undergoing phototherapy, and a structured questionnaire of nurses' knowledge regarding care of neonates undergoing phototherapy. Results of the present study revealed that the majority of nurses had poor knowledge scores and unsatisfactory performance scores regarding the care of neonates undergoing phototherapy. Continuing education programs a-e recommended for nurses in work place and a strict and nurses' continuous supervisions are mandatory to improve nurses' performance