Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding people with epilepsy among nurses

Abstract

Background: This work handled three aspects: to assess the nurses’ knowledge and practice with regard to patients with epilepsy, to study the outcome of training of nurses regarding epilepsy. Material and methods: The study conducted at the Department of Neurology at Assiut University Hospital. Data collected from all nurses (n = 35) working at the Department of Neurology. The following tools were used for data collection; a pre-/post-test questionnaire sheet for the assessment of the nurses’ knowledge of epilepsy, an observation checklist sheet for nurses, and the patient’s assessment sheet to assess the nurses’ practice. The work involved nine sessions, each about 30 minutes long, applied to teach nurses about all data necessary for the patients with epilepsy. Results: A good improvement in the mean knowledge and practice scores observed following the implementation of the designed nursing protocol. A significant decrease in complication rate which resulted from bad practice during fit following the implementation of the designed nursing protocol. A reduction in seizure-related complications reported after the training of nurses with the designed nursing protocol which acts as an additional advantage. Conclusion: Improving the nurses’ knowledge and practice with regard to patients with epilepsy will lead to the improvement the health and social conditions of patients with epilepsy.

Keywords

• epilepsy
• knowledge
• nurse protocol
• practice
• Egypt