Effect of implementing designed educational training program for neurological nurses on clinical outcomes of stroke patients

Background: Stroke is a major cause of functional disability, it increased the need for continuous nursing care. Nurses need to pay attention not only to the physical recovery after stroke, but also to the psychological and social recovery. Therefore, it is important to provide training courses to nurses about care of stroke patients.Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of implementing designed educational training program for neurological nurses on clinical outcomes of stroke patients.Methods: Design: A quasi experimental research design was utilized. Setting: Data were collected from Neurological Intensive Care Units, Wards and Neurological outpatient clinics of Tanta Main University Hospital. Sample: All nurses (n = 35) who are providing direct care for stroke patients and a purposive sample of 30 stroke patients. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data. Tool (I): Assessment of nurses’ knowledge questionnaire sheet about stroke; Tool (II): Observational checklist to evaluate nurses’ practice regarding care of stroke patients; and Tool (III): Patient’s clinical outcomes assessment sheet.Results: The results revealed that there were significant improvements in nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding care of stroke patients post training program at p < .01. Also, significant improvements in self-care and activities of daily living among stroke patients were observed from immediately to 2 months later post application of training program.Conclusions: The study findings revealed that the implementation of designed educational training program within 2 months were successful for improving nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding care of stroke patients. Furthermore, there was improvement in activities of daily living and self-care among stroke patients.Recommendations: It is recommended to generalize implementation of designed educational training program for neurological nurses as a routine hospital care for stroke patients.