Effect of education program regarding pathological jaundice on nurses' performance and neonates' bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction.

Both term and preterm infants are susceptible to pathological jaundice, a frequent condition that can cause long-lasting neurological damage. A novel treatment for indirect pathological hyperbilirubinemia is bilisphere phototherapy, which lowers total serum bilirubin just as well as exchange transfusions. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in the current study. This study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital. A convenient sample of all available nurses (60) working in the previously mentioned setting. A purposive sample of neonates (90) with pathological jaundice which would be divided into control and study groups. Three tools were used: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire sheet, Tool II: observational checklist for caring neonates with pathological jaundice, and Tool III: neonatal outcomes assessment sheet. There was a positive correlation between nurses' total performance regarding pathological jaundice and bilisphere phototherapy at pre-/post-education program implementation. Additionally, there were a positive correlation between neonates' outcomes in the study group and nurses' total performance post-program implementation.Conclusion the education program regarding pathological jaundice was effective in improving nurses' performance and neonates' bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction post compared to pre-education program implementation. What is Known: • Pathological jaundice had directly effect on neurological status in neonates as aresults of accumulated bilirubin in basal gangelia in brain and bilirubin induced neurological dysfunction score considered important tool to indicate acute bilirubin encephalopathy. What is New: • Education programs and periodic training to medical team provide improvement their performance, nurse had significant role to provide neonates care in NICU. So, improve nurses performance lead to improve neonate outcomes. • Bilisphere phototherapy is an important device which had positive outcomes in pediatrics which improve neonates' health status, but its effect depends on provided effective nursing practice during therapy. • Pathological jaundice management with bilisphere phototherapy and bilirubin induced neurological dysfunction score working together to provide optimal care for neonates, which bilisphere phototherapy decrease bilirubin level and BIND score assess neurological status and detect any abnormalites during therapy.