Development of an educational resource to increase nursing staff knowledge of adrenal insufficiency management in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to assess and increase nursing staff knowledge and comfort when providing education to families with a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. An evidenced-based educational resource was developed and provided the framework for a PowerPoint presentation provided to neonatal intensive care nursing staff and ancillary staff from the endocrine clinic. The intention was to improve knowledge, understanding, and comfort when addressing caregiver education. Nursing staff knowledge was measured pre and post education intervention to evaluate for change. There was a significant difference in the scores for adrenal insufficiency knowledge from pre (M = 5.18, SD = 1.501) to the post education (M = 7.37; SD = 0.775) [t(77) = -10.919; p = 0.000]. Nursing staff also reported an increase in comfort level with providing caregiver education regarding adrenal insufficiency management. The educational session proved beneficial to increase knowledge and comfort with caregiver education regarding adrenal insufficiency pathophysiology and management.