Effect of Educational Program on Nurses' performance regarding Safe Medications Administration Through Nasogastric Tube among Critically Ill Children

Background: Administering oral medications to children with nasogastric tube is a
challenging patient- care issue. Inappropriate prescription and preparation of oral suspensions
given through nasogastric tube may result in significant harm to children. Nurses need to have
knowledge concerning the characteristics of different drug dose forms, the possibility of using or
not using them, and the respective correct handling technique. Aim of the current study was to
evaluate the effect of educational program on nurses' performance regarding safe medications
administration through nasogastric tube among critically ill children. Design: A Quasi
experimental research design was used to conduct the current study. Setting: This study was
conducted at the pediatric intensive care units in Benha University Hospital and specialized
pediatric hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 62 nurses who have been working at the
previously mentioned settings. Tools: Two tools were utilized for data collection, a structured
interviewing questionnaire sheet, and nurses practices observational checklist. Results: There
were statistically significant differences in nurses' knowledge, and practice regarding safe
medications administrating through nasogastric tube before and after program implementation.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that, the
educational program is highly effective method to improve the nurses' knowledge, and practice
regarding safe medications administration through nasogastric tube. Recommendations: The
study recommended to Provide continuous education and training sessions for nurses about safe
medications administration through nasogastric tube to ensure enough knowledge and safe
practices. Also, emphasis on the availability of printed universal guidelines about safe
medications administration through nasogastric tube that illustrated simply in posters and
booklets for guiding nurses' practice.