Sedated and intubated children have impaired ocular protective mechanisms putting them at risk for
ocular surface disease with potential vision loss. So, rapid intervention with targeted treatment is essential to avoid
vision-threatening complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of designed eye care protocol on nurses'
knowledge and practice regarding the prevention of ocular surface disorder among sedated and intubated children at
pediatric intensive care units. Research design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Settings: This study was
conducted at the pediatric intensive care units in Benha university hospital and Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital.
Sample: A Convenient sample of nurses (n=75) and a purposive sample of sedated and intubated children (n=62).
Tools of data collection: Three tools were used; a structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, an observational
checklist, and eye health status assessment sheet. Results: there was a significant improvement in nurses’ knowledge
and practice post-designed eye care protocol implementation. Moreover, the results revealed that the majority of
children in the study group had no ocular surface disorders and less than three-quarters of them had absent
conjunctival edema post-designed eye care protocol implementation. Conclusion: The implementation of the
designed eye care protocol proved to be effective in improving nurses' knowledge and their practices, with a positive
impact on sedated and intubated children. Recommendations: Provide continuous educational programs and training
courses for nurses working at pediatric intensive care units about eye care to improve their performance. |
