Quality of Nursing Care Provided for Neonates with Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea. It is one of the most life-threatening anomalies in newborn. The current study aimed to assess the quality of nursing care provided for neonates with TEF and to assess the nurses’ knowledge and performance regarding neonates with TEF. A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in the current study. The study was conducted at the Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Unit (NSICU) affiliated to Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital. A convenient sample composed of all nurses working at NSICU and all neonates with TEF within six months from starting study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire sheet to assess nurses’ knowledge regarding quality of nursing care for neonates with TEF and observational checklists to assess nurses’ performance for neonates with TEF at NSICU. The study results evident that three quarters of nurse shad average level of knowledge regarding neonates with TEF and all of them had good level of performance provided for neonates with TEF. Meanwhile, there were positive correlation between nurses’ knowledge and performance scores. The present study concluded that, there were positive correlation between nurses’ knowledge and performance scores in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics. It was recommended that periodical educational training programs for nurses working at NSICU are mandatory, for the purpose of updating the knowledge and to maintain efficient performance and to reach high quality of care.

Key words: Neonate-Tracheoesophageal Fistula-Quality of nursing care