Structure Assessment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Al-Mommani, Mohamed M S.; Amer, Naila H.; Nazif, Kamal; Al-Maaitah, Rowaida; Esawy, Magda; Zaghloul, Ashraf A Z.

doi:10.21608/jhiph.2002.201655

Structure Assessment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Jordan

² Department of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, Egypt

³ Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

⁴ Department of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

10.21608/jhiph.2002.201655

Abstract

Structure is considered one of the three major approaches to the evaluation of quality the other two being process and outcome. Appraisal of structure involves the attributes of the settings in which care is delivered that include the material resources, the human resources, and the organizational structure. The aim of the study was to asses the quality of nursing care provided at the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] at Princess Badia Teaching Hospital, Jordan, as regards the various components of structure domain within the context of quality. A checklist for structure assessment was developed which included criteria classified under three main areas namely, material resources, human resources, and organizational structure. Results revealed certain deviations from the recommended compliance scores for each area. Recommendations were proposed to stress the importance of the NICU being specifically built to reflect practice, environment, and cultural needs, as well as continuous education activities of NICU staff. Documented policy and procedure manuals were also recommended for assuring maintained quality care at the NICU.

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