A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on Emergency Triage Assessment and Management of Children among Staff Nurses in a Selected Hospital, Kolar

Abstract

Background: Emergency triage assessment and management (ETA&M) is a systematic approach for early identification and prioritization of critically ill children requiring emergency care. Adequate knowledge among staff nurses is essential for timely management and improved pediatric outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a planned teaching program (PTP) on ETA&M of children among staff nurses.

Materials and Methods: A quantitative evaluative research approach with a pre-experimental one-group pretest-post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 30 staff nurses working in the Casualty, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Special Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and General Pediatric Wards of Sri R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar. Participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of demographic variables and a 30-item knowledge assessment tool. The tool showed satisfactory reliability (Split-Half method, Spearman– Brown coefficient, r = 0.75). A PTP was conducted after the pre-test, and a post-test was performed after 7 days. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and Chi-square test.

Results: The mean knowledge score increased significantly after the intervention, indicating the effectiveness of the PTP. A significant
association was found between post-test knowledge scores and area of work, while no significant association was observed with age, gender, educational qualification, or years of experience.

Conclusion: The PTP was effective in improving staff nurses’ knowledge regarding ETA&M of children. Regular in-service education and continuing nursing education programs are recommended to enhance pediatric emergency care competency.