Guiding Program for Mothers to Enhance Home Care and Children’s Health Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Serious problems can occur after cardiac surgery, so mothers need more comprehensive home care educational programs to help them recognize complications and care for their children following hospital discharge. The Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a guiding program for mothers on enhancing home care and the health outcomes of their children after cardiac surgery. A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct the present study at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department and Pediatric Outpatient Clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals. Subjects: A sample of 48 mothers and their children scheduled for cardiac surgery at the previous settings. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data. A Structured Interview Questionnaire, Reported practice checklist and Children’ assessment sheet. Results: Statistically significant differences regarding mothers’ knowledge and reported practice were observed at the post-program and follow-up phases, with a statistically significant strong positive correlation between them. Statistically significant improvements also revealed regarding children’ health outcomes post program. Conclusion: The guiding program had a profound effect on enhancing mothers knowledge and practice about home care as well as children’s health outcomes after cardiac surgery. The study recommended that educating mothers regarding the care of their children after cardiac surgery should become a routine practice at the cardiothoracic surgery department. Moreover, in service training program for pediatric nurses to improve their performance about care provided to children after cardiac surgery.

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