Nurses' experiences in neonatal sepsis prevention and management: a qualitative cross-sectional study at selected hospitals in a metropolitan area.

Background: Neonatal sepsis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among infants in healthcare settings. This study explored nurses' experiences in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis in the Tamale metropolis. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study design was used, and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The sample size was determined at the point of data saturation of fifteen participants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify codes, subthemes, and themes within the interview transcripts. Results: Three major challenges nurses face in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis, including (1) the absence of a protocol for handling newborns upon admission, (2) an excessive workload that made it difficult for staff to follow infection prevention protocols, and (3) inadequate, obsolete and/or lack of equipment that caused devices to be overused. The nurses also identified critical psychological and emotional difficulties they encounter as a result of working within such a stressful environment. Other activities nurses conducted were handwashing before and after every procedure, infection prevention, and separating the babies in the incubator. In managing babies with neonatal sepsis, nurses provided daily treatment, hygiene care, and supported activities of living. The nurses also assert that the availability of resources, appropriate staff, and critical skills are important for preventing and managing neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: The lack of basic working consumables like gloves, syringes, and needles, inadequate staff, and lack of defined protocol of care were identified as critical challenges that hamper the care provided in neonatal care units. Hospital authorities must focus attention on addressing the critical challenges faced by neonatal care units. Also, measures should be instituted to address the emotional and psychological concerns associated with nursing care. Future research must consider the level of influence of each of the challenges enumerated on nurses' overall health. Plain language summary: In many developing countries deaths of under-five children are associated with neonatal sepsis - an acute infection that occurs in those less than 28 days old. Nurses are critical in the care and services rendered to these babies and their families in the neonatal care units. This study assessed the experiences of nurses in providing care to neonates. The data was collected using an interview guide among nurses working in neonatal care units in the Tamale metropolis. Analysis was done using the thematic data analysis method. Some challenges were identified by nurses to be associated with the care of babies with neonatal sepsis. These challenges included a lack of definitive protocols of care; higher workload; inadequate, obsolete, and lack of basic equipment and consumables. Nurses employed handwashing techniques to prevent infection among babies with neonatal sepsis. Services providers must focus attention on providing the requisite support to nurses caring for babies with neonatal sepsis to improve the care experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]