Research article summary (published 27 Feb 2001):

Post-operative epidural analgesia: introducing evidence-based guidelines through an education and assessment process.

Full Abstract

The aim of this project was to re-introduce post-operative epidural analgesi on to two orthopaedic wards using an evidence-based practice approach. This was achieved through the provision of appropriate staff education and information, assessment of staff competence, and provision of relevant and appropriate staff support. An education programme was developed which included study days, ward-based teaching and the assessment of competence. The introduction of guidelines followed an audit cycle in order to measure the success of the education programme. All nursing staff involved in the project were asked to complete a questionnaire which assessed their knowledge of caring for patients with postoperative epidural analgesia. This was completed before and following the education programme. The outcome measures were: (i) successful completion of competence-based assessment; (ii) levels of knowledge as assessed by the knowledge questionnaire; and (iii) participant perceptions of the project. The results of the questionnaire demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge following the education programme. Participants commented on the importance of the ward-based teaching. They also felt that pain was controlled more effectively using this method of analgesia.

Author information

Author/s: Richardson, J (J);

Affiliation: Director of Integrated Health Development, School of Health Care, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, UK. janet.richardson(-atsign-)brookes.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of clinical nursing (J Clin Nurs), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2001-Mar; vol 10 (issue 2) : pp 238-45

Dates: Created 2002/01/31; Completed 2002/02/21; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 11820345, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Analgesia, Epidural - nursing; standards Attitude of Health Personnel Clinical Competence - standards Competency-Based Education - organization & administration Education, Nursing, Continuing - organization & administration Evidence-Based Medicine Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Humans Inservice Training - organization & administration

Nursing Audit Nursing Education Research Nursing Staff, Hospital - education; psychology Orthopedic Nursing - education; standards Perioperative Nursing - education; standards Postoperative Care - nursing; standards Practice Guidelines as Topic - standards Program Evaluation Questionnaires

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