Implementation of a Bowel Management Program in Critical Care

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Critical Care Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Implementing sustainable bowel management programs in critical care settings presents challenges.
• Effective nursing education is crucial for successful practice change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a unit-based educational program for implementing a sustainable bowel management program.
• To assess the impact on nurses' knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in critical care.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental pre-/postdesign was employed.
• An evidence-based, interactive Web-based education program with knowledge, skill, and self-efficacy components was developed.
• Data included pre-/posttest scores, skill competency, and self-efficacy measures.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements (P < .001) were observed in knowledge scores and self-efficacy.
• 100% of participants successfully completed skill acquisition sessions.
• 86% reported enhanced collaboration with specialist nurses.

Conclusions:

• A structured, evidence-based educational program using a multimethod approach is effective for implementing practice change in critical care.
• The findings support the integration of such programs to improve patient care outcomes.