Effect of Self Learning Package on Critical Care Nurses' Performance Regarding care of end of life patient

Abstract

Background:Critical care nurses are expertly trained to care for critically ill patients; however, many critical care nurses feel inadequately prepared to provide end of life care to patients in the intensive care unit. The nurses attribute this to lack of support and training on endoflife care. Nurses who care for the dying experiences had a variety of emotions and attitudes. Nurses’ anxiety is due in part to a lack of sufficient support, both emotionally and physically, from their nursing education programs so the nurses need information to improve their level of knowledge, practices and attitude. The study aim was to assess effects of the self learning package (SLP) on critical care nurses’ performance regarding care for end of life patient. Methods: To achieve this aim a quasi experimental design was utilized. A convenient sample of 60 nurses was selected at Ain-Shams University Hospitals. Study resultsof this study revealed that there were highly statistically significant differences with the increase ofthe total score of nurses' knowledge, practice and total scores of nurse’s attitude pre/post pre/follow up and post/ follow up and the self learning package affect positively on the nurses’performance regarding care for end of life patient.The study concluded that, there was statistically significant positive effect for SLP on nurses' knowledge, practice and attitude. As a result of this study, the study recommended conduction of further researches in this area in order to enrich, improve, & update nurse's knowledge, practice and attitude. The periodic in-service education program regarding end of life care and self learning package to be performed for patients is recommended. Key words: end of life care, the self learning package, nurses’ performance