Effectiveness of an internet-based education on maternal satisfaction in NICUs

Patient Educ Couns. 2017 May;100(5):943-949. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.11.005. Epub 2016 Nov 13.

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of internet-based education on the satisfaction of the mothers of the preterm neonates in the NICUs.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 mothers of preterm neonates hospitalized in the NICUs of two hospitals in Iran during 9 months. The mothers were assigned in two groups as cases and controls. The satisfaction level of the mothers was evaluated by using WBPL-Revised1 in both groups on the first and tenth day of the study. Mothers in the case group received the educational program available at www.iranlms.ir/myinfant for 10days. After 10days, the satisfaction level of the mothers in both groups was measured by questionnaire again.

Result: the satisfaction of the mothers increased in both groups after this intervention. However, comparison of the mean scores revealed that the satisfaction of the mothers in the case group increased significantly following the intervention (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Considering the benefits of internet-based education, its utilization in mothers education programs in NICUs is recommended.

Practice implications: The results of this study show nurses in the NICU is a way to improve communication and education to parents of infants hospitalized in NICU.

Keywords: Internet education; NICU; Parental satisfaction; Preterm newborn.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Communication
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal*
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Mothers / education*
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires