This project involved the development of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt parent education tool for parents of infants and children with hydrocephalus. The educational needs of these parents were identified and a tool which would increase their understanding of potential shunt complications was designed.
The tool was initially developed, piloted, evaluated, and revised with input from ten parents of children who previously had shunt placement for hydrocephalus, from health care experts, and from review of literature.
Testing of the tool took place with five parents of infants with newly diagnosed hydrocephalus undergoing initial surgery for a VP shunt. A pre-test was given and written material distributed to the parents. Two 15-30 minute parental teaching sessions were dont to review the materials on hydrocephalus and shunts, differentiate the types of potential shunt problems, and afford parents the opportunity to ask questions. A post-test was given at their return office visit approximately three to four weeks after their infant's surgery. Results showed that post-test scores improved from pre-test scores.
Evaluations mailes to the parents one month later indicated the tool helped increase their level of understanding of hydrocephalus and shunt care and decrease their stress level in caring for their infant.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:rtd-3270 |
| Date | 01 January 1999 |
| Creators | Taylor, Kay R. |
| Publisher | University of Central Florida |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Retrospective Theses and Dissertations |
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