Nurse's Problems in Physical Health Assessments of Hospitalized Pediatrics

Pediatrics’ physical health assessment is part of clinical nurses’ role. The aim of this study was to determine the nurses’ problems in physical health assessment of hospitalized pediatrics and provide suitable solutions.
This descriptive study was conducted in four selected hospitals of Mazandaran province. In total, 127 nurses were selected through non-random convenience sampling. Data was collected using demographic characteristics questionnaire (with 10 questions) and “Nurses Problems Questionnaire in Pediatric Physical Health Assessment” (in six dimensions and 46 items). Content validity index, content validity ratio, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were determined. Suitable solutions to the problems were collected and scored through the review of literature and nurses’ perspective. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.
Among six identified dimensions of problems, the highest mean score was related to the management aspect (3.72) and the lowest to the individual-motivational aspect (1.60). Following the management problems, environment, education and culture had high mean scores. With respect to the solutions, offering programs to pediatric health assessment scores and using sections of the room divided by room dividers, both had 27 scores (87%). In addition, joint collaboration between nurses and students and implementation of leadership training for new nurses had 26 scores (84%). These four categories had the highest mean scores among other identified solutions.
Although management issues had the highest average among nurses in pediatric physical health assessment problems, the solutions related to environmental, educational and cultural communication had the highest scores and are crucial to be implemented. Therefore, it is suggested to provide a suitable environment for nurses’ assessments. Moreover, it is important to enhance and prioritize the interaction between clinical managers and the training team and monitor their results.