Background: Assessment of fetal well-being during pregnancy is a critical tool for ensuring optimal neonatal
outcomes. Nurses have a major role for assessment of fetal wellbeing and improving the physical and psychosocial
maternal condition. Aim of the study: Was to evaluate the effect of instructional package on maternity nurses’ knowledge
and practices regarding assessment of fetal wellbeing. Study design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: The
current study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecological department affiliated to Benha University Hospital. Sample:
A convenient sample included 50 maternity nurses. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used for data collection and
included: Tool (I) Part I Self-administered questionnaire to assess maternity nurses’ demographic data. Part II Assessment
of maternity nurses’ knowledge regarding assessment of fetal wellbeing. Tool (II) Observational checklist was used to
assess maternity nurses’ practices regarding assessment of fetal wellbeing. Results: The result of present study revealed that
there was a highly statistically significant difference in relation to total nurses' knowledge and practices about assessment
of fetal well-being pre, post and at follow up phases of instructional package implementation. Moreover, there was a
positive statistically significant correlation between total knowledge and total practice scores pre, post and at follow up
phases of instructional package implementation. Conclusion: The instructional package had a positive effect on improving
knowledge and practices of maternity nurses regarding assessment of fetal wellbeing. Recommendations: Develop periodic
in-service training programs for nurses to enhance their practical skills regarding assessment of fetal wellbeing. |
