Effect of Designed Educational Program on Nurses' Performance regarding Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia for Patients with Stroke

Research Abstract

Title: Effect of Designed Educational Program on Nurses' Performance regarding Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia for Patients with Stroke Authors: Nahla Mohamed Mahmoud, Gamila Mohamed Sayed, Ahmed Mostafa Shehata, Walaa Nady Sayed Kamel Journal: Tanta Scientific Nursing Journal Publication Date: May 2025 1. Background: Aspiration pneumonia is a common and serious complication for stroke patients, often resulting from dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). Nurses play a critical role in preventing this condition, but their performance depends on adequate knowledge and skills, which were found to be lacking prior to this study. 2. Aim: To evaluate the effect of a specially designed educational program on improving nurses' knowledge and clinical practices for preventing aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients. 3. Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental study (pre-test/post-test). Setting: Stroke Unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Sample: 40 nurses. Intervention: A structured, competency-based educational program delivered over six sessions. It included theoretical lessons, practical skills training (oral care, suctioning, enteral feeding, precautions), and an Arabic educational booklet. Data Collection: Tool I: A self-administered knowledge questionnaire. Tool II: An observational checklist for clinical practices. Data was collected before and immediately after the program. 4. Key Results: Knowledge: The percentage of nurses with satisfactory overall knowledge dramatically increased from 22.5% pre-program to 87.5% post-program. The mean knowledge score also rose significantly from 21.57 to 35.55 (p<0.001). Clinical Practice: The percentage of nurses demonstrating competent overall practice jumped from 20% pre-program to 85% post-program. The mean practice score significantly improved from 51.13 to 73.40 (p<0.001). Correlation: A strong positive correlation was found between knowledge scores and practice scores after the program. Nurses with higher educational levels tended to achieve better scores. Demographics: Most nurses were young (mean age 27), held technical diplomas (67.5%), had limited experience, and had received no prior training on the topic (92.5%). 5. Conclusion: The designed educational program was highly effective in significantly improving both the knowledge and clinical performance of nurses regarding the prevention of aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients. 6. Recommendations: Scale Up: Implement similar educational programs on a larger scale. Institutional Integration: Hospitals should integrate such training into continuous professional development. Develop Resources: Create procedural manuals and educational materials in the local language. Regular Training: Conduct periodic refresher courses and workshops to sustain competency.

Research Keywords

Aspiration Pneumonia, Dysphagia, Educational Program, Nurses, Performance, Stroke