The Effect of Training Program on Nurses Performance Regarding Massage and Positive Body Touch of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants at NICU

Abstract

Background: Training programs focusing on massage and positive body touch can enhance nurses' knowledge and skills in providing appropriate and safe touch to preterm and low birth weight infants. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of training program on nurses’ performance regarding massage and positive body touch of preterm and low birth weight infants at NICU. Research design:  A quasi-experimental research design was used in this study.  Setting: The study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Pediatrics Departments Children's Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Subjects: A convenience sample of 30 nurse admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data Collection Tools: Tools of the study consist of two tools, tool (1) A Structured Questionnaire sheet (2) Observational check list to assess nurse’s level of practice regarding massage and positive body touch of preterm and low birth weight infants at NICU. Results: More than three quraters of the studied nurses had satisfactory level of total knowledge regarding infant massage post educational program. Approximately three quarters of the studied nurses had satisfactory level of total knowledge regarding positive touch post educational program. Furthermore, more than half of the studied nurses had competent level of practice regarding infant massage post educational program and two thirds of them had competent level of practice regarding positive touch post program. Finally there is statically significant relation between nurses’ performance regarding massage and positive body touch pre and post educational program. Conclusion: It can conclude that the educational nursing program had a positive effect on the improvement of nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practices related to massage and positive touch. Recommendation:  Periodical educational programs for the nurses to enhance their knowledge and practice of positive touch and massage of low birth weight and preterm in order to improve their performance level at NICU.