Improving nurses’ knowledge and skills regarding tocolytics for inhibiting preterm labor

Abstract

Background: Approximately 10% of all pregnant women who experience an episode of threatened preterm labor requiring hospital admission and Tocolytic therapy may be considered for them. Nursing care is the main critical component of this therapy. Nurses’ Knowledge deficit and poor practical skills regarding tocolytics and its administration, care, surely, will interfere with their ability to achieve consistent and positive patient care outcomes.
Aim: The aim is to assess the impact of an instructional program on knowledge and practices of maternity nurses regarding pregnant women with tocolytics administration for inhibiting preterm labor.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used with all nurses (n = 30) working in the inpatient of obstetrics and gynecology department in all general hospitals in Port Said city. Tools: Three tools were used; structured interview questionnaire, pre/post-test knowledge assessment sheet and an observation checklist.
Results: The mean age of the participant nurses is 30.6 ± 10.3. The majority (86.6%) of them had nursing secondary school. All nurses archived better scoring in both knowledge and skills after implementing the program than before it. A significant difference between pre and post-test was observed (p < .01).
Conclusions: There is a progression of satisfactory score and regression of unsatisfactory one. The knowledge and practical scoring in the post-test are better than pre-test. This is mirrored the effect of the program.
Recommendations: Continuing educational programs should be developed to teach and train nurses about the care of preterm, a complete assessment of maternal history, accurate examination of preterm labor and knowledge of tocolytics drugs.