Assessing the Effect of an Educational Intervention on Nurses' and Patient Care Assistants' Comprehension and Documentation of Functional Ability in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

PurposeIn 2014, the Youth Acute Pain Functional Ability Questionnaire (YAPFAQ) was developed to investigate patient's self-rated functional ability during times of acute pain in the inpatient clinical setting. Although it has great potential, the application of this tool has not been made a standard of care. The purpose of this multiple methods study was to determine if, through an educational intervention, hospital staff could consistently document the YAPFAQ in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) during a vaso-occlusive episode. Design and MethodsTwenty-two staff members participated in an educational intervention and semi-structured group discussions. Pre/post surveys measured knowledge of the YAPFAQ before and after the intervention. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for thematic clusters. Retrospective chart reviews of children with SCD were reviewed for YAPFAQ documentation frequency before and after the intervention. ResultsStaff knowledge of who completes the YAPFAQ increased after the intervention, (p<.001). YAPFAQ documentation decreased after the intervention, (p<.001). Qualitative analysis identified personal, physical, and patient barriers to completing the YAPFAQ and multiple recommendations to change the method of documentation in the electronic health records (EHR). ConclusionsAlthough the staff expressed high interest in utilizing the YAPFAQ, application was inhibited by delayed translation to the EHR. The YAPFAQ continues to hold high potential for directing nursing care, but requires staff investment for clinical practice change. Practical ApplicationsA seamless integration between nursing education and translation through EHR is recommended as technology continues to integrate into nursing practice.