Background & Problems:
The most effective treatment now for perinatal asphyxia-induced hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is therapeutic hypothermia, which reduces the mortality rate and neurological disorders of newborns. The earlier the therapy is performed, the better the protective effects it exerts on nerves. Recent investigations have shown that only limited cases are available, leading to nurses’ lack of experiences in taking care of patients with the above condition and unfamiliarity with the care procedures, care guidance not updated, a time-consuming preparation of materials due to their scattered placement, and a lack of regular on-the-job training. Consequently, the nurses have insufficient knowledge of the therapeutic hypothermia.
Purpose:
To expand nurses’ knowledge of the therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit, reduce the material preparation time before performing cryotherapy, and increase the rate of completing execution of the therapeutic hypothermia procedure.
Methods:
A) Regular care training and scenario-based simulation training are run to increase nurses’ knowledge and familiarity with therapeutic hypothermia. B) For reducing the material preparation time, a specific preparation kit and a documentary folder for cryotherapy are planned, and a material placement checklist for cryotherapy is drafted. C) The procedure guidance booklet regarding therapeutic hypothermia is revised, and a monitoring mechanism is set up.
Results:
The accuracy of nurses’ knowledge for therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit has improved from 81.8% to 97.1%; the material preparation time for performing cryotherapy has reduced from 90 minutes to 40 minutes; the completion rate for executing the therapeutic hypothermia procedure has increased from 74.9% to 96.2%.
Conclusion:
Execution of this project can perfect the quality of therapeutic hypothermia for newborns through an increase in the accuracy of nurses’ knowledge of therapeutic hypothermia, a shortened material preparation time to keep the therapeutic hypothermia procedure running smoothly, and an increased completion rate of executing the care procedure.