Assessment of Nurses' Performance Regarding Care of Neonates with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a serious condition that represents major challenges in neonatal intensive care units. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses' performance regarding care of neonates with PPHN in Neonatal intensive care unit. Design: A descriptive research design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at Neonatal intensive care units in Fayoum General Hospital and Mostafa Hassan Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample composed of 70 nurses who are provided care for neonates at the previously mentioned settings. Tools: two tools were used for data collection, 1st tool : A structured interview questionnaire to assess nurses’ knowledge regarding PPHN. 2nd tool: Observational checklist to evaluate nurses’ care provided for neonates with PPHN. Results: showed that, the mean age of studied neonates was 5.39±3.81 days, with mean weight 2501±474.33gm and more than half of nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and Incompetent practices regarding care of neonates with PPHN. Furthermore, the study show positive statistically significant correlation between total nurses’ knowledge and total practice when r= 0.487 with p-value= 0.021*. Conclusion: More than two thirds of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and more than half of them had incompetent practice regarding neonates with PPHN. Furthermore, highly statistically significant differences between total nurses’ knowledge and practice with their characteristics. Recommendations: In- service training programs are highly recommended to improve nurses’ knowledge, and practice regarding care of neonates with PPHN.