Background: Plasmapheresis is a procedure performed for different life-threatening and
debilitating diseases as a mode of treatment or as an adjunct with other therapies. It is a process
involving extracorporeal removal of plasma from other components of blood, discarding and
replacing plasma with physiological fluids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of
implementing educational guidelines on nurses' knowledge and practice regarding plasmapheresis
process. Research design: Quasi- Experimental research design was utilized to achieve the aim of
the study. Setting: This study was conducted at Hemodialysis departments in Benda University
Hospital. Sample: Convenient sample of (60) nurse from both sex who working at Hemodialysis
departments of Benha University Hospital and agree to participate in the study. Tools of data
collection: Two tools were used, I: Self-administered questionnaire which consisted of two parts to
assess A) Nurses' sociodemographic data. B) Nurses' knowledge questioners about plasmapheresis
process and II: Observational checklist for nurses' practice which consisted of three parts to
evaluate nurses' actual practices before, during and after care of patient undergoing plasmapheresis
process Results: The study revealed that nurses' knowledge and performance regarding patient
undergoing plasmapheresis process pre guidelines implementation was unsatisfactory level (83.3%
and 80%) which improved immediately post guidelines implementation at satisfactory level
(76.7%and 70%) and return to decline post three month of guidelines implementation at
satisfactory level (66.7% and 63.3%) respectively. Conclusion: There was a positive and highly
statistical significant relation between total knowledge and total performance at pre, immediate post
and after three month of guidelines implementation. Recommendation: Ongoing educational and
training guidelines for nurses are needed regarding care of patients undergoing plasmapheresis
process and apply the guidelines on large sample selected from Hemodialysis departments at Benha
University Hospital. |