Evaluating the Effect of a Neuro-protective Care Bundle for Neonatal Nurses on Rate of Seriousness of Intraventricular Hemorrhage among Preterm Infants

Abd Elsamea Elguoshy Hassanen, Eman; EL-Sayed Hassan, Rabab; Mustafa Abu Samra, Omayma; R. El-Refaay, Eman; Gamal Badawy, Ghada

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2023.336364

Evaluating the Effect of a Neuro-protective Care Bundle for Neonatal Nurses on Rate of Seriousness of Intraventricular Hemorrhage among Preterm Infants

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

² Professors of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

³ Assistant Professors of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

⁴ Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2023.336364

Abstract

Background. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) poses a significant risk for preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Globally, nurses in the NICUs may adopt various strategies and protocols to reduce the incidence of IVH in preterm infants and mitigate potential neurodevelopmental complications. Aim. To evaluate the effect of implementing a neuro-protective care bundle for neonatal nurses on rate of seriousness of IVH among preterm infants. Design. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting. This study was carried out at NICU of Mansoura University Children Hospital, Mansoura City, Egypt. Subjects. A convenience sample of nurses (n=50), as well as a purposive sample of preterm infants less than 33 weeks of gestation (n=85) were recruited from a tertiary level NICU of the previously mentioned settings. Tools. Data were collected by using three tools: 1) A structured questionnaire sheet to assess nurses' knowledge related to IVH and Neuro-protective care bundle. 2) Observational neuro-protective checklist. 3) Intraventricular hemorrhage rate of seriousness scale. Results. Post implementation of the study neuro-protective care bundle there were statistically significant differences in the nurse's knowledge and their performance between pre and immediate post as well as between pre and post 3 months after implementation of neuro-protective care bundle. Moreover, there is a statistically significant difference between the rate of seriousness of IVH before and after implementation of neuro-protective care bundle. Conclusion and recommendation. Implementation and methodical application of an IVH care bundle that encompasses postnatal measures surrounding the early birth days of preterm babies can positively affect their neurological outcome by controlling rates of seriousness of IVH. These measures require training and education of bedside nurses on behalf of the entire NICU staff to be thoroughly implemented.

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