The development of technology in health care has led to the growth of critical care facilities which produce many challenges to the critical care nurses. Nurses are key players in the intensive care units. They should be able to identify and initiate appropriate therapies, monitor the complex treatment regimens and intervene to prevent life threatening situations. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a designed teaching protocol on nurses knowledge and practices as regards the emergency care of critically ill patients at the intensive care units (ICUs) Benha university and teaching hospitals.
All critical care staff nurses [60] working with critically ill patients in intensive care units of both Benha university and Benha teaching hospitals were included in this study. Their age was ranged between 25-35 years old with a mean age of [24.5 3.51years]. the study was conducted over 12 months in intensive care units of both Benha university and Benha teaching hospitals. A constructed interviewing questionnaire sheet and an observational checklist were utilized to collect data pertinent to the study . Results of the study revealed the following :
(a) The mean knowledge scores of nurses is increased immediately after implementation of the program with a significant statistical difference. This increased level slightly decreased post one, two, and three months of program implementation. (b) As well, the mean practice scores of the study group subjects was higher immediately after the implementation of the program with a high significant statistical difference compared to the pre program implementations, this increased level slightly decreased post one, two and three months of program implementation. (c) Also, a positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores of the study subjects therefore the 3 stated research hypothesis were supported. In conclusion, enrichment of critical care nurses knowledge and practices would have a positive impact upon their knowledge and performance. This could be of great importance upon patients’ condition and is a cost effective.
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