Trowbridge ER, Subbarao S, Melanson M, Childress RM, Hullfish KL, Vaughan M. Self-assessment of nursing preparedness and knowledge in the care of patients with obstetric anal sphincter injuries and utilization of a computer-based learning module for continued nursing education in the United States.
Midwifery 2022;
115:103483. [PMID:
36115272 DOI:
10.1016/j.midw.2022.103483]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE
Perineal injury is the most common complication of vaginal delivery, and labor and delivery (L&D) nurses are crucial in managing and educating women following perineal trauma.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to assess L&D nurse experience, knowledge, and self-perception of preparedness in caring for women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and to compare pre- and post-test scores using a computer-based learning module (CBL) for OASIS nurse education.
STUDY DESIGN
All L&D nurses were invited to complete a voluntary, self-assessment questionnaire inquiring about prior experience, training, and education and current clinical practice in caring for patients with OASIS. They were also asked to answer ten knowledge-based questions about OASIS. The primary outcome was change in pretest and posttest knowledge-based scores after completion of CBL.
RESULTS
Forty-one L&D nurses voluntarily responded to the self-assessment survey. Of respondents, 20% answered they were "very comfortable", 48% "comfortable", 23% "neutral," and 8% "uncomfortable" for caring for women with OASIS post-delivery. Fifty-three percent of reported having no formal education in nursing school about OASIS and 35% reported no formal training while at work. The average pretest knowledge test score was 66.3% and 93.5% (p < 0.001) after completion of the CBL.
CONCLUSIONS
Most L&D nurses in this study reported having very limited formal nursing education in OASIS. Regardless of this lack of formal training, the majority of L&D nurses in this sample described themselves as comfortable caring for patients with OASIS post-delivery. Completion of a CBL was associated with higher OASIS knowledge scores.
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