Effect of an Upper Limb Exercise Training Program for Burned Children on Improving Nurses' Knowledge and Practice

Abstract

Background: Burns are one of the most common forms of trauma in children. Hand function is one of the most important goals of burn rehabilitation and is consequently an important functional outcome, as it is strongly predictive of successful re-integration into life role. Aim: Evaluate the effect of an upper limb exercise training program on improving nurse's knowledge and practice. Method: A quasi experimental design was used. The study carried out in burn unit at Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery Center Mansoura and Mansoura New General Hospital at Mansoura city on a convenient sample of 55 nurses Used two tools were used to collect a structured interview sheet and observational checklists for nurses about upper limb exercise,. Results: More than three fourth of the studied nurses had an unsatisfactory levels of knowledge, as well as the minority of the studied nurses demonstrated competent level of practice before upper limb exercise training program implementation, which improved to a satisfactory knowledge and a competent practice after the program. Conclusion: The program had a positive effect on nurses' knowledge & immediately after and at follow up program implementation respectively. Recommendation: Develop regular and continuous training programs for nurses in burn units according to their needs aiming at refreshing their knowledge and improving their practice for pediatric burn.