Effect of Nursing Intervention on Short and Long Term Health Problems of Children Suffering from Hirschsprung's Disease

Abstract

Hirschsprung’s Disease is a common congenital anomaly effecting 1/5000 live birth due to absence of the ganglion cells. The definitive treatment of Hirschsprung’s Disease has started in 1948 by Swenson, since then several operations were used to improve the outcome of this anomaly. Research studies demonstrate that despite the availability of effective techniques for Hirschsprung’s Disease management in children, nursing intervention is age dependentwhere in the newborn, detection is high priority. As the child grows older, careful attention to a history of constipation and diarrhea is important. Pre operative care depends on the age and clinical condition. A child who is malnourished may not be able to withstand surgery until the physical status improve often ,this is after symptomatic treatment with enemas, a low fiber, high calorie and high proteins diet and in severe situations, the use of total parental nutrition (TPN) (Wong, 2006). Aim of the study: A present study aimed to investigate the effect of Nursing Intervention on Short and Long Term Health Problems of Children Suffering from Hirschsprung's Disease. This aim was attained through the following objectives: - Assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding short and long term health problems of children suffering from Hirshsprung’s Disease. Summary 167 - Design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing intervention regarding short and long term health problems of children suffering from Hirshsprung’s Disease. Research hypothesis Nursing intervention will affect nurse's knowledge and practice in relation to children suffering from Hirschsprung's Disease. Subjects and Methods: I. Technical design: The technical design for the study includes research design, setting of the study, subjects and tools for data collection. 1) Research design: A quasi-experimental designwas used. 2) Setting: This study was conducted at the pediatric surgical unit/ Pediatric Children Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. 3) Subjects: A purposive sample consisted of 30 nurses, who employed in the study setting and were responsible for direct and indirect care for children suffering from HSD pre operatively and post operatively regardless their characteristics. The study sample involved also all the available children in the study setting suffering from Hirshsprung’s Disease regardless Summary 168 their age, gender and residence. Nurses were assessed twice before/ after nursing interventions using same tools.