Factors Affecting Nurses' Performance Regarding Care of Patients post Cardiac Valve Replacement Surgery

Abstract

Background: Cardiac valve replacements are common and excellent solution for treating patients with symptomatic valvular heart diseases. Adequate post -operative nursing care for patients is important to prevent further complications.

Study Aim: Evaluate factors affecting nurses' performance regarding care of patients post cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Subjects and Methods: Design: A descriptive design was used to achieve the aim of this study.

Setting: Data was collected from Cardiothorathic Surgery Intensive Care Unit and Paid Cardiac Care Unit in Cardiothoracic Sidnawi Hospital.

Subjects: A convenient sample of 50 nurses.

Tools of data collection: Two tools were used; Interviewing questionnaire to assess nurses' demographic characteristics, knowledge and factors affecting nurses performance regarding care of patient post cardiac valve replacement surgery. Observational checklist to assess nurses' practice regarding care of patients post cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Results: This study revealed that about three fifths of studied nurses had unsatisfactory total knowledge and more than half had inadequate total practices regarding care of patients post cardiac valve replacement surgery. 90% of nurses affected by total factors related to nurse. While, 84% affected by total factors related to patient and total factors related to work. Also, there were a significant relation between nurses' knowledge, practice and factors affecting nurses performance.

Conclusion: Studied nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and inadequate practice regarding care of patients post cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Recommendations: Establish educational and training programs for nurses in order to reach optimal standard of care for patients post heart valve replacement surgery.