Nurses' Performance Regarding POINTS of Care for Prevention of Retinopathy of Premature Neonates.

Background: Retinopathy of Prematurity is a multi-factorial preventive cause of childhood blindness. Using POINTS of care as preventive strategies may be significantly prevent occurrence of retinopathy of premature neonates. The aim of the study was to evaluate nurses' performance regarding points of care for prevention of retinopathy of premature neonates. Subjects and Method: The study design used was descriptive. Setting: It was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Tanta Main University Hospital & International Teaching Hospital. Subjects: All nurses (120) who are working in the aforementioned places. Tools: two tools were used: Tool I: Retinopathy Structured Interview Questionnaire, Tool II: POINTS of Care Observational Checklists. Results: nearly three quarters of the nurses had low level of overall knowledge about retinopathy of prematurity and POINTS of care. More than half of the nurses had unsatisfactory practice regarding POINTS of care. Conclusion: Nurses had low level of knowledge & unsatisfactory practice about retinopathy of prematurity and POINTS of care. Recommendations: Designing a training course for neonatal nurses concerning retinopathy of prematurity. Applying POINTS of care standardized protocol for prevention of retinopathy of premature neonates at neonatal intensive care units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]