Evidence Based Practice for Maternity Nurses regarding Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting Using apfel’s Score

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the one of the most common adverse condition after surgery and can lead to other serious complications that need collaboration between nurse and physician for its prevention and treatment. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Evidence Based Practice for Maternity Nurses regarding Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting Using apfel’s Score. Study design: A quasi-experimental design (pre and post-test).Study setting: The study conducted at operating departments (main operating unit department, laparoscopic unit and operating rooms affiliated to labor unit) at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Sampling: A convenient sample technique was used to recruit 54 nurses working at previous mentioned setting. Tools of data collections three tools were used; I) structured interview questionnaire sheet, II) maternity nurse practice Observational checklist regarding PONV risk screening using apfel’s score, III) Nurse–physician collaborative scale (NPCS). Result. 13%, 85.2% and 81.5% of the studied sample had satisfactory level of total knowledge concerning post-operative nausea and vomiting pre, post and follow-up after one month respectively of implementation of evidence-based nursing practice while 5.6%, 81.5% and 79.6% of the studied sample had satisfactory level of total knowledge concerning apfel’s score pre, post and follow-up after one month respectively of implementation of evidence-based nursing practice. Moreover 3.7%, 81.5% and 77.8% of the studied sample was competent regarding Apfel's score practice pre, post and follow-up after one month respectively. Also there is statistical significant improvement on total mean score of Nurse–Physician Collaboration scale post implementation of evidence based practice compared to pre-implementation. Conclusion: the current results supported the research hypotheses that evidence based practices improved maternity nurses' knowledge and practices regarding postoperative nausea & vomiting and its risk screening using apfel’s score and also improved maternity nurses-physician collaboration regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting for women undergoing gynecological surgeries. Recommendations: The current study recommended that application of evidence based practice regarding postoperative nausea & vomiting and risk screening using apfel’s score for maternity nurses as integral part in nursing care for women undergoing gynecological surgeries.