BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nurses can have a significant role in improving the outcomes of individuals with SCD. This study examined the effectiveness of an educational program on the knowledge and practice of nurses who provide care for individuals with acute sickle cell crisis. METHOD: A pretest-posttest control group design was used. The study was conducted at two hospitals in the northern region of Egypt. The sample included 77 RNs working in hematologic and genetic units. Data were collected using a self-administered knowledge questionnaire and a clinical performance checklist. RESULTS: Findings indicated a significant difference in nurses' knowledge and care practices after implementing the educational program. CONCLUSION: This educational program enhanced nurses' knowledge and practice for managing SCD. Training and continuing education programs need to be provided for nurses in hospital settings who provide care for individuals with SCD. Moreover, nursing curricula should reflect the standardized care for individuals with sickle cell crisis. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(2):87-95.]. Copyright 2019, SLACK Incorporated.
BACKGROUND:Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nurses can have a significant role in improving the outcomes of individuals with SCD. This study examined the effectiveness of an educational program on the knowledge and practice of nurses who provide care for individuals with acute sickle cell crisis. METHOD: A pretest-posttest control group design was used. The study was conducted at two hospitals in the northern region of Egypt. The sample included 77 RNs working in hematologic and genetic units. Data were collected using a self-administered knowledge questionnaire and a clinical performance checklist. RESULTS: Findings indicated a significant difference in nurses' knowledge and care practices after implementing the educational program. CONCLUSION: This educational program enhanced nurses' knowledge and practice for managing SCD. Training and continuing education programs need to be provided for nurses in hospital settings who provide care for individuals with SCD. Moreover, nursing curricula should reflect the standardized care for individuals with sickle cell crisis. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(2):87-95.]. Copyright 2019, SLACK Incorporated.