Evaluating the Impact of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) on Knowledge and Skills in Eclampsia Management Among Primary Health Care Center Nurses

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a phenomenon of joy and pain, an expectant mother during pregnancy will have to handle associated wellness and illness. The phase of pregnancy is challenging for every mother. A significant number of physical, physiological, and psychological changes occur during pregnancy, and these changes can cause minor problems and major complications, one such complication commonly addressed is eclampsia. The present study was designed to assess and manage eclampsia skills of nurses working in primary health care centers. Methodology: One-group pre-test post-test design used for 83 nurses working in selected primary health care at selected district in Karnataka. A structured knowledge and skill questionnaire was designed to assess the skills of nurses on management of eclampsia. The present study used the technique of OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) for imparting the knowledge and skills. Results: The present study found that the knowledge and skill of nurses in pre-test was less compared to the post-test. OSCE as method of teaching was effective in imparting the desired knowledge and skill scores in the selected nurses in managing eclampsia. Conclusion: The study was designed with the aim to develop and improve the knowledge and skills of nurses working in primary health care centers where 70% of rural population receive health care services from peripheral health service provider. Hence, nurses are the key health personnel available 24 × 7 in health care facilities; if nurses are equipped with management of eclampsia, it results in rendering significant difference in mortality and morbidity of mother by better management of eclampsia. The study recommended that nurses should be educated on and equipped with skills of management of complication of labor to promote maternal and child health care.