Assessment of Nurses’ Performance Regarding Care of Children Undergoing Hemodialysis Therapy

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the major health problem worldwide. Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat the advanced and permanent kidney failure. The pediatric nurse plays an important role in management of child undergoing hemodialysis therapy. Aim of the study: 1) Assessment of nurses' knowledge regarding care of children undergoing hemodialysis therapy. 2) Assessment of nurses' practice regarding care of children undergoing hemodialysis therapy. 3) Assessment of nurses' attitude regarding care of children undergoing hemodialysis therapy. Research design: A descriptive design was utilized. Methods: All available nurses (50) working in hemodialysis units affiliated to both Cairo University (Abu El-Rish Child Hospital) and Ain Shams University Hospitals. Tools: Data were collected through three main tools; Self-administered questionnaire sheet, observational checklists and attitude rating scale to assess nurses’ performance regarding care of children undergoing hemodialysis therapy. Results: The main results of study demonstrated that the mean age of the studied nurses was 30 ± 8.357 years and the mean years of experience were 9.1 ± 6.36 years, the majority of them had satisfactory level of knowledge, incompetent level of practice and had negative attitude regarding care of children undergoing hemodialysis therapy. Conclusion: Nurses had satisfactory level of knowledge, incompetent level of practice, and negative attitude regarding care of children undergoing hemodialysis therapy. There was no a statistically significance relation between total scores of nurses’ performance (knowledge, practice and attitude). Recommendations: Periodic assessment of knowledge, practice and attitude for all nurses dealing or providing care to children undergoing hemodialysis therapy and procedure book should be available in hemodialysis units as a reference for all nurses.