Educational technology for the use of palivizumab in preventing respiratory syncytial virus infection

Abstract

The only medication available for preventing severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in pediatric patients at high risk is Palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody of immunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1). The objective of this work was to validate an educational technology for the use of Palivizumab in preventing respiratory syncytial virus infections. This is methodological research that includes four stages: literature review, construction of a flowchart for healthcare professionals, preparation of an educational booklet for parents and/or caregivers, and validation of the educational booklet by judges of content and appearance. For the construction of the booklet, an integrative literature review was initially conducted to identify and understand all aspects related to the topic. This review aimed to identify and incorporate important studies that provide a relevant contribution to building a solid theoretical foundation to guide the research. A total of 57 studies were included. The educational booklet, "For those who will take care of me with Palivizumab," was constructed and validated for content and appearance by nurses (teachers and assistance). The validation process was based on the responses from the judges of content and appearance. A global Content Validation Index of 0.92 was obtained. As for appearance, the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument was used, resulting in an overall average score of 7.91. After incorporating the judges' suggestions, the educational material was adjusted to meet the needs and expectations it aims to fulfill. Subsequently, the educational material was sent for proofreading and printing, and once ready, it will be made available to the hospital. The booklet empowers parents and/or caregivers in the prevention and health promotion of children who will use Palivizumab, while the flowchart guides healthcare professionals attending to this population.