Continuous primary nursing care increases satisfaction with nursing care and reduces postpartum problems for hospitalized pregnant women

Abstract

Objective: To compare the differences in practicing continuous primary nursing care (CPNC) versus task-centered nursing care (TCNC) with regard to patient satisfaction with nursing care and early postpartum health problems for hospitalized pregnant women.

Design: All participants filled out the satisfaction with nursing care questionnaire, breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire, and early postpartum problem questionnaire.

Setting: Participants in the CPNC group received continuous individualized primary nursing care and participants in the TCNC group received task-centered nursing care during their perinatal period.

Participants: Using a randomized controlled trial, 470 hospitalized pregnant women participated in the study with 230 pregnant women in the CPNC group and 240 in TCNC group.

Data analysis: Questionnaire data were collected, calculated, and statistically analyzed using independent t-tests or Χ(2) tests along with power analysis.

Results: Participants in the CPNC group reported significantly higher overall satisfaction with nursing care (t(468) = 5.936, p < .001), had more breastfeeding knowledge (t(468) = 5.633, p < .001), and were more likely to breast feed six weeks after delivery (Χ(2) (1) = 39.237, p < .001) than those in the TCNC group. Participants in the CPNC group also showed a significantly lower occurrence of postpartum urinary retention (Fisher exact test was used, p < .002) and breast discomfort (Χ(2) (3) = 34.482, p < .001) than those in the TCNC group.

Conclusion: Practicing continuous primary nursing care was more effective than practicing traditional task-centered nursing care for hospitalized pregnant women in increasing satisfaction with nursing care, enhancing breastfeeding, and reducing early postpartum problems.