Postnatal Care Based on ICM’s Global Standards among Nursing Students Studying in a Selected College in Delhi

Abstract

Background: Postnatal period is considered as the most critical phase which can lead to various complications and even maternal deaths. Midwives and nurses have an important role to play in the postnatal care of a mother hence they must have exceptional knowledge and skill to address the complications that arise in mothers during postnatal period. The competence level of midwives and nurses must be earned by set criteria of ICM Global standards of Midwifery. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and skills among nursing students in selected college of Delhi on Postnatal Care as per ICM Global Standards by using Checklist and Questionnaire and to find out an association of Knowledge and skill on postnatal care with selected demographic variables regarding ICM’ s Global standards. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach with descriptive exploratory design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. Total enumerating sampling technique was employed to select 56 students of DGNM interns posted in postnatal wards of hospital. A structured questionnaire and checklist were formulated to assess the knowledge and skills of Nursing Students. Result and Findings: The study showed that Maximum students i.e. 45 (80.35%) had inadequate knowledge related to postnatal care of mother whereas 11 (19.64%) nursing students had adequate knowledge. Maximum students i.e. 34 (61%) had inadequate knowledge related to postnatal care of newborn whereas 22 (39%) had adequate knowledge regarding the same. The calculated ‘r’ value was 0.32; value at degree of freedom (54) is 0.27 which is lower than 0.0 e ‘r’ 5 level of significance. Conclusion: The study shows that the students need more emphasis on skill improvement. There is a need to up skill the existing skills of nursing students in order to provide comprehensive and prompt Nursing Care.