A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation [OSCE] on Knowledge and Skills Regarding Management of Eclampsia Among Nurses Working in Primary Health Care Centers

Abstract

Background Pregnancy is a phenomenon of joy and pain. An expectant mother during pregnancy has to handle associated wellness and illness. The phase of pregnancy is challenging for every mother a significant number of physical physiological and psychological changes occur during pregnancy. These changes can cause minor problems and major complications. One such commonly occurring complication is eclampsia. The present study was designed to assess and manage eclampsia skills of nurses working in primary health care centers.Methodology One group pretest posttest design was used in this study which was conducted among 83 nurses working in selected primary health care centers in selected district of Karnataka. A structured knowledge and skill questionnaire was designed to assess the skills of nurses on management of eclampsia. The present study used the technique of OSCE Objective Structured Clinical Examination for imparting the knowledge and skills.Results The present study found that the knowledge and skill of nurses in pretest was low compared to posttest. OSCE as method of teaching was effective in improving the knowledge and skill scores in the selected nurses in managing eclampsia.Conclusion The present study was designed with an aim to develop and improve the knowledge and skill of nurses working in primary health care centers as 70 of rural population seek health care services from these peripheral health service providers. Nurses are the key health personnel available 24X7 in these healthcare facilities. Nurses equipped with knowledge and skills for initial management of eclampsia can play a significant role in reducing mortality and morbidity of expectant mothers by better managing eclampsia. The study recommended that nurses should be well equipped with skills for management of complications of labor to promote maternal and child health care.