Learning Needs Assessment of Nursing Personnel Regarding Care of Children with Central Nervous System Infections in Selected Hospitals of Andhra Pradesh

CNS infections leave the child with long term neurological disabilities. Health care delivery system aims at achieving high quality outcomes for the children. Learning needs assessment is an important stage of every educational process that aims to inform changes in practice and policy for continuing professional development. A study was conducted to assess the learning needs of nursing personnel regarding care of children with central nervous system infections in selected hospitals of Andhra Pradesh.

The purpose of the study was to identify the perceived adequacy of knowledge and perceived confidence on activities the nurses possess in caring for children with CNS infections. A descriptive survey was conducted in four Government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh. The sample consisted of 67 staff nurses selected through systematic sampling and total enumeration. A structured learning needs assessment scale was administered to 67 staff nurses. A structured learning needs assessment scale contains items on perceived knowledge adequacy regarding CNS infections and perceived confidence level on activities for giving care to children with CNS infections. Results revealed 70 percent perceived that their knowledge level is not adequate regarding disease condition and 60% expressed lack of confidence in nursing care activities. Studies suggested inservice learning enhanced the knowledge and performance levels. Study has implications for nurse administrators to organize continuing nursing education programmes (CNE) for the nurses to update their knowledge and performance levels essential for caring for children with CNS infections.