Educational Program for Nurses Regarding Physical Restraints Used in Pediatric Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of educational program on nurses regarding physical restraints used in pediatric intensive care units. Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Settings: The study was carried out in the Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. These included; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Cardio Surgeries Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Surgeries Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatric Neuro Intensive Care Unit. Subjects: A purposive sample, consisting of 52 nurses working in the previously mentioned settings, was recruited for the study. Tools: Tools of data collection included; a structured questionnaire, observational checklists, the clinical evaluation sheet for physically restrained children, and the semantic differential scale to assess nurses' knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding physical restraints respectively. Results: Less than two thirds of studied nurses had unsatisfactory total knowledge regarding physical restraints pre-implementation of the educational program compared with the great majority of them had satisfactory total knowledge post implementation. As well, nurses’ total practices were significantly improved post implementation of the educational program. Moreover, nurses' attitudes were changed from positive to negative post implementation of the program. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the educational program led to significant improvements in studied nurses’ knowledge and practices and change in their attitudes regarding physical restraints used in PICUs. As well, there is a positive correlation between nurses' total knowledge and total practices regarding physical restraints used in PICUs. Recommendations: Upgrading nurses' knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding physical restraints used in PICUs through an orientation program and continuous educational programs.