International Journal of Nursing
June 2021, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 76-86
ISSN 2373-7662 (Print) 2373-7670 (Online)
Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved.
Published by American Research Institute for Policy Development
DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v8n1a8
URL: https://doi.org/DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v8n1a8
Effect of an Upper Limb Exercise Training Program for Burned Children on Improving
Nurses' Knowledge and Practice
Mona Refaat Ibrahim
1
, Fawzia Elsayed Abusaad
2
& Gawhara Gad Soliman Ebrahem
3
Abstract
Background: Burns are one of the most common forms of trauma in children. Hand function is one of
the most important goals of burn rehabilitation and is consequently an important functional outcome, as
it is strongly predictive of successful re-integration into life role. Aim: Evaluate the effect of an upper
limb exercise training program on improving nurse's knowledge and practice. Method: A quasi
experimental design was used. The study carried out in burn unit at Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn
Surgery Center Mansoura and Mansoura New General Hospital at Mansoura city on a convenient sample
of 55 nurses Used two tools were used to collect a structured interview sheet and observational
checklists for nurses about upper limb exercise,. Results: More than three fourth of the studied nurses
had an unsatisfactory levels of knowledge, as well as the minority of the studied nurses demonstrated
competent level of practice before upper limb exercise training program implementation, which
improved to a satisfactory knowledge and a competent practice after the program. Conclusion: The
program had a positive effect on nurses’ knowledge & immediately after and at follow up program
implementation respectively. Recommendation: Develop regular and continuous training programs for
nurses in burn units according to their needs aiming at refreshing their knowledge and improving their
practice for pediatric burn.
Key words: Burn, Exercise, Knowledge, Nurses, Practice, Training program, Upper Limb.
Introduction:
Burn injuries have been described as one of the most devastating of all injuries, that have a great impact
on the pediatric patients physically, physiologically and psychologically, which are accompanied by intense pain
and often by longer-term illness that create suffering not only for the child but for the wider family and
community, therefore burns are still one of the top causes of death and disability in the world (Jahnke, Poston,
Jitnarin and Haddock 2018).Unfortunately, burns are relatively common especially within the pediatric age
group, which are the fourth most common type of trauma worldwide, following traffic accidents, falls and
interpersonal violence. Young children’s natural curiosity, motor immaturity and/or incapability to recognize a
dangerous situation and its consequences make that children form an important risk group for burn
accidents((Donna and Marlyn, 2019); Moehrlen et al., 2018).
Child losses up to 54% function when he loses his hand function also, small joints of the hands are more
vulnerable to form contractures which are very difficult to address during the treatment programs therefore,
children with upper extremities burn need intensive medical care and life long physiotherapy rehabilitation
program (Young and Burd, 2014).As mortality due to burn injury decreases, new challenges in burn
rehabilitation arise. Burn injuries can cause severe muscle loss, muscle weakness, hypertrophic scars, and
contractures, leading to lifelong physical impairments. Physical and occupational therapy, along with nutritional
support, aid in the functional recovery of burn children. During the past years, progressive resistance exercise
programs have become more common components of outpatient burn rehabilitation programs. Participation in
structured exercise routines has been reported to yield multiple benefits, such as a reduced number of surgeries
needed for scar release, improved muscle strength, and muscle mass accretion. The ultimate goal of burn
rehabilitation is to assist in restoring functional capacity and independence in burned patients (Diego et al.,
2017).
1
Assistant lecturer, Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University
2
professor, Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University
3
Assistant professor, Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University