Applying Standards for nursing care to improve the quality of nursing performance at labor unit

Abstract

Background Childbirth is one of the most important events in women’s lives, however, the care provided and practices for childbirth are not standardized. The aim of this study was to apply Standards for nursing care to improve the quality of nursing performance at labor unit. A quasi- experimental time series design was utilized. The study was carried out at labor and delivery units in Minia hospitals (Obstetric University Hospital, General hospital and Health Insurance at Labor unit) .Purposive sample technique for all health care providers (50 nurses) who were working in different labor and delivery units during the study in the previous settings. Tools, An interviewing questionnaire for health care providers was developed by the researcher and the second was performance standards for maternal and neonatal health (NLD) which prepared by Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO, 2011). Results showed highest strong positive statistical significant correlation's was found between nurses knowledge and performance in relation with their age and years of experience (p value <0.05). Recommendation: Develop evidence-based maternity & neonatal care manual in all hospital based on established evidence-based practice with national standards. Nursing performance appraisal to ensure that nursing care level in maternal &neonatal units follow standardized care manuals.