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M alaysian nurses’ skin care practices of preterm infants: Experience vs. knowledge
Author(s) -
Mohamed Zainah,
Newton Jennifer Margaret,
Lau Rosalind
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12125
Subject(s) - neonatal intensive care unit , medicine , nursing , neonatal nursing , intensive care , family medicine , pediatrics , intensive care medicine
This study sought to explore the impact of M alaysian nurses’ perceptions, knowledge and experiences in preterm infant skin care practices using a descriptive approach. Questionnaires were distributed to N eonatal I ntensive C are U nit ( NICU ) nurses in one teaching hospital in M alaysia. A knowledge gap was revealed among nurses in both theoretical and practical knowledge of preterm infant skin. Nurses working for more than 5 years in NICU or having a N eonatal N ursing C ertificate ( NNC ) were not predictors of having adequate knowledge of preterm infants’ skin care. The results highlight the complex issue of providing effective skin care to preterm infants. However, a specific finding related to nurses’ confidence provides some direction for future practice and research initiatives. Clear clinical evidence‐based guidelines and C ontinuing N ursing E ducation on relevant topics of preterm infants’ care may provide the required knowledge for the nurses.