Staff Nurses Knowledge regarding Care of Babies undergoing Phototherapy

Abstract

Introduction : Phototherapy is the use of visible light for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn. This relatively common therapy lowers the serum bilirubin level by transforming bilirubin into water-soluble isomers that can be eliminated without conjugation in the liver. Caregiver responsibilities include ensuring effective irradiance delivery, maximizing skin exposure, providing eye protection and eye care, careful attention to thermoregulation, maintaining adequate hydration, promoting elimination, and supporting parent-infant interaction. Methods : Descriptive Approach was used. Quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test design (O1 X O2) was adopted for the study. The study was conducted at two selected hospitals of vidharba region out of them one is Semi Government Hospital and one were Private Hospital. 60, staff nurses working in paediatric unit of A.B.R.H.,Sawangi (meghe), Kasturba Hospital, Sevagram. Results : The calculated 'p' value which was higher than the acceptable level of significance. This indicates that there is no statistically significant association of post-test knowledge scores with the any of the sample. Conclusion : The calculated 'p' value for all the areas of knowledge regarding care of babies undergoing phototherapy was 0.000 which was less than 0.05 and which was acceptable level of significance. Hence the research hypothesis H1 is accepted. There was no significant association between age, gender, professional qualification, total clinical experience and area of working ward.