Effect of Designed Guidelines on Nurses′ Performance to Prevent Preterm Infants′ Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a major factor causing neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Maintaining normal body temperatures in the pediatric setting is crucial. Therefore, nurse's awareness, education and understanding of the effects of hypothermia are a necessary component. So, Aim of this study: was to assess the effect of designed guidelines on nurses′ performance to prevent preterm infants′ hypothermia. Design: Quasi-experimental design was used to conduct the study. Setting: The study was carried out at neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of Benha University Hospital, Benha Teaching Hospital and Specialized Pediatric Hospital at Benha city. Sample: A convenient sample was comprised of 60 preterm infants admitted to the NICU and 60 nurses in the previously mentioned settings. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used: tool (1) interviewing questionnaire including two parts for assessment of biosocial characteristic of nurses and neonates, tool (2) knowledge assessment sheet, it was adopted from Insaf and Ali, (2012) [1] and tool (3) observational check list, it was adopted from Ruth and Jane, (2008) [2]. Results: showed that, total knowledge and performance were higher on post and follow up test than pretest. There were a statistical significance correlation between total nurses' knowledge and their total performance on post and follow up test (p <0.001). Neonates' temperature regulations after care were higher on posttest and follow up test. Conclusion: The study concluded that, the designed guidelines were effective in improving nurses' knowledge and performance regarding prevention of preterm infants' hypothermia which affected positively in regulating temperature of neonates. Recommendations: The study recommended that nurses need continuous training programs to improve their knowledge and practice regarding neonatal hypothermia.