Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong WK(1), Fung MY(1), Poon HH(1), Yeung KY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Neurosurgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
Objectives :
Objective:
To enhance the knowledge and care provided by nurses, Patient Care Assistants (PCA), and patient caregivers of post-craniectomy patients in the Department of Neurosurgery.
Methodology :
Methodology:
This study employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches, initiated in March 2024 and ongoing. An educational program consisting of lectures, posters promotion, small group training sessions and demonstrations was designed and implemented for the department’s staff and caregivers. To evaluate knowledge enhancement, pre- and post-tests, along with audits, were conducted among nurses and PCA staff. Additionally, a survey was conducted to evaluate caregivers’ satisfaction, complemented by interviews to assess the perceived effectiveness of the educational program in enhancing caregivers' knowledge and caregiving skills.
Result & Outcome :
Result:
The implementation of educational program yielded positive results, indicating a significant increase in the knowledge and caregiving capabilities of the participants. Post-test scores for nurses increased from 60.7% to 96.6%, while PCA staff scores increased from 51.4% to 91.4%. Audits on post-craniectomy care also revealed a 100% compliance rate for all critical care points among nurses and PCA staff. The majority of caregivers reported increased confidence and competence in managing post-craniectomy care after receiving the educational interventions. Survey results demonstrated a significant improvement in caregivers' understanding of essential care practices, with high satisfaction rates regarding the education material’s content and clarity. However, some caregivers expressed stress and showed anxiety about the burden of long-term patient care, highlighting the need for additional psychological support.
Conclusion:
The implementation of the educational program has significantly enhanced the knowledge and caregiving capabilities of nurses, PCA staff, and patient caregivers in the Department of Neurosurgery. These findings suggest that targeted educational interventions can improve staff capabilities and caregiver preparedness. Ultimately, it leads to better patient outcomes in post-craniectomy care. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects and potential adaptations of the educational materials. Additionally, to alleviate carer stress, it is suggested to provide psychological support to caregivers.
