Nurses, Knowledge and Practices Regarding Neonates with Tracheoesophageal Fistula at Assuit University Children Hospital

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) is one of the most serious congenital anomalies in neonates with a high rate of morbidity and mortality that require a very special care pre & post operatively. The Aim of this study was to assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding care of neonates with tracheoesophageal fistula in neonatal intensive care unit at Assuit University Children Hospital. A descriptive research Design was used to conduct this study. The subjects included a convenient Sample of 40 nurses caring for neonates with TEF who admitted to NICU at Assuit university children hospital. Two Tools were used to collect the necessary data, structured interview questionnaire and observation checklist which were developed by the researcher. Results of this study revealed that (62.5%) of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding care of neonates with TEF while (67.5%) of them had competent level of practices regarding neonates with TEF. There were statistically significant differences between total mean scores of the studied nurses' level of knowledge and practices p=0.045. The study Concluded that nurses had unsatisfactory level of knowledge and competent level of practices regarding neonates with TEF. It was Recommended that implementation of periodical educational programs for nurses working at NICU are mandatory.