Background: Immobility refers to a reduction in the amount and control of movement. Immobility
can adversely affect all physiological bodily systems. The nurseʹ interventional actions for immobili zed
patient should support the normal functions of the body and maintaining the strength and flexibility of the
musculoskeletal system. Aim of this study was: To assess the effect of implementing guidelines for nurses
caring for immobilized orthopedic patients on their performance. One research hypothesis: Was formulated
that Nurses' performance related to caring for immobilized orthopedic patients will be improve after
application of developing guidelines. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: This study
was conducted in the orthopedic department at Benha University Hospital. Subject: (convenience
sample).consist of all available nurses (n= ) working at orthopedic departmentTools: Two tools were used,
I a nurses' assessment sheet to assess nurse knowledge & II Observational check list for assess nurses'
practice regarding caring for immobilized orthopedic patients Results: This study showed that the majority of
the nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice regarding caring of immobi lized orthopedic patients
pre guidelines implementation ( and ) which improved significally immediately post guidelines
implementation ( and . ). Conclusion The majority of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of
performance (knowledge and practice) regarding caring of immobilized orthopedic patients pre guidelines
implementation. Meanwhile, the majority of the studied nurses had statistically significant improvement in their
performance post guidelines implementation, which supported the study hypothesis. The study Recommended
That an educational program and continuous in-service training programs should be prepared to help the nurses
to revise, acquire and develop their knowledge and practice regarding caring of immobilized patients. |
