In recent years, many developing countries have been actively seeking to improve the outputs and outcomes of their health care delivery system by engaging in process of reform. Furthermore, obstetric care of high quality continues to be a key requirement for reducing maternal mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve the quality of immediate postpartum nursing care. This aim would be achieved through, 1- teaching nurses about immediate postpartum nursing care to improve their knowledge, 2- training nurses about immediate postpartum nursing procedures to improve their practice, 3- evaluating nurses’ outcome knowledge and practice. A quasi-experimental design was utilized. The study included all nurses working in the obstetric ward at Benha University Hospital (40) nurses. Data was collected through a sheet to cover general characteristics of nurses, a handout about immediate postpartum nursing care, and tools of evaluation divided into (a) interviewing questionnaire, included questions of nurses knowledge about quality of immediate postpartum nursing care (b) observation checklist included standards of nursing care during postpartum period. Both tools of evaluation were used to assess nurses’ level of knowledge and practice before / after three months of implementing the study. The main findings were improvement in nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding care provided during immediate postpartum period, except some aspects of care such as infection control measures and immediate care of newborn. Lack of equipment and supplies in postpartum unit. The study recommended putting clear guidelines (policies, protocols and standards) of the different services that should be offered to the mothers and newborns in the postpartum ward in order to achieve, maintain and advance good quality health services.
Keywords: Quality improvement, nursing care, postpartum period, standard, knowledge and practice.
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