Assessment of Nurses’ Performance Regarding Massage and Positive Body Touch of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants at NICU

Abstract

Background: Nurses works at NICU should advocates for preterm and LBW infants to ensure that these infants receive the best possible care and that their needs are met. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to assess nurses’ performance regarding massage and positive body touch of preterm and low birth weight infants at NICU. Research design: A descriptive 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: 30 nurse working at the previous mentioned setting. Data Collection Tools: Tools of the study consisted of two tools, tool (1) A Structured Questionnaire sheet to assess nurses’ knowledge regarding massage and positive body touch (2) Observational check lists to assess studied nurse’s level of practices regarding massage and positive body touch of preterm and low birth weight infants at NICU. Results: less than quarter of the studied nurses had satisfactory total level of knowledge regarding massage and positive body touch. Furthermore, less than quarter of the studied nurses, were having total competent practice regarding massage and positive touch skills. Conclusion: It can concluded that three quarter of the studied nurses, had incompetent performance level regarding massage and positive body touch of preterm and low birth weight infants at NICU . Recommendation: Periodical educational programs for the nurses to enhance their knowledge and practice regarding positive touch and massage of low birth weight and preterm in order to improve their performance level.