Improving Nurses' Knowledge in Caring for Children with Challenging Behaviors

Authors

Caroline R. Conley, Children's National Hospital
Lisa Wendt, Medical College of Wisconsin
Christine A. Schindler, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2023

Publisher

Anthony J. Janetti Inc.

Source Publication

Pediatric Nursing

Source ISSN

0097-9805

Abstract

Hospital admission can be particularly difficult for children with known behavioral health challenges, such as children on the autism spectrum disorder. Nurses are in an ideal role to ease the burden associated with hospitalization. The aims of this quality improvement (QI) project include creating and implementing an evidence-based visual schedule for use with children who have challenging behaviors, and designing and implementing education for nurses specifically intended to describe evidence behind the use of visual activity schedules (VAS) for children with challenging behaviors. A Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) method was used, and the intervention was evaluated via pre- and post-implementation surveys. The QI project was implemented on a 24-bed acute care unit at a large, tertiary care, Midwestern children's hospital. A sample of 46 nurses received the education, with 23 completing the pre-implementation survey and 6 completing the post-implementation survey. Education was provided through in-person teaching and handouts. Nurses initially had a poor understanding of the use of VAS, which improved following the education. They felt comfortable providing care for children at risk for challenging behaviors and in their knowledge about diagnoses for these patients, which remained unchanged following the educational program. Positive feedback was received following implementation, with nurses noting a greater understanding about VAS for children at risk for challenging behaviors. Nurses learned how to identify patients that could benefit from the use of a VAS and how to work with families to create a schedule that could benefit the child.

Comments

Published version. Pediatric Nursing, Vol. 49, No. 3 (May/June 2023): 142-147. Stable link. © 2023 Anthony J. Janetti, Inc. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Conley, Caroline R.; Wendt, Lisa; and Schindler, Christine A., "Improving Nurses' Knowledge in Caring for Children with Challenging Behaviors" (2023). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 1006.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/1006