Enhancing nursing practice through patient outcome measures: a framework for optimizing care in intracranial surgery

Abstract

Background: The nursing practices are evidence-based and have not been systematically applied to patients undergoing intracranial surgeries, which is one of the most critical procedures for treating brain diseases. Nursing care prevents complications, minimizes infections, and ensures a healthy, speedy recovery across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the enhancement of nursing practice through patient outcome measures for optimizing care in intracranial surgeries. Method: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. The study was conducted at the neurosurgery unit at the Mansoura University Hospital with 50 nurses and 100 patients, 50 for each control and intervention group. The patients were divided into study groups in which the trained nurses applied to nursing practices, and the control group received only their usual care. Tools: Four tools were used, including a structured interview questionnaire sheet. Nurses’ knowledge and nursing practices for patients undergoing intracranial surgeries, patients’ outcomes, and observational performance checklist. Statistical analysis: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, which is a statistical test used to analyze the difference between the means of more than two groups. The chi-square, SD (standard deviation), MH (marginal homogeneity test), and t (paired t-test) have been involved in the study. Results: Nurses’ knowledge improved from 42.9% fair pre-application to 54% good post-application (P < 0.001). Pre- and postoperative practices also showed marked progress, with satisfactory practice levels rising from 66% to 72% in second observations, respectively (P < 0.001). Patient outcomes improved, with 62% of the study group showing moderate positive outcomes compared to 92% negative in the control group (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction scores rose significantly, from a mean of 25.3 pre-application to 83.9 post-application (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant improvements in nurses’ knowledge, practices, and patient outcomes following the implementation of the nursing practices. Recommendations: Implement the nursing practices as a standard protocol to enhance nursing practices, improve patient recovery, and reduce complications in neurosurgical care.