STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLANNED INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE ON THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING CLINICAL GUIDELINES AMONG NURSES AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CLINICAL GUIDELINES ON PATIENT OUTCOME AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHOLECYSTECTOMY AT SELECTED HOSPITAL, COIMBATORE

Vijayasavitha*, Deepa, Lingaraj Chitra, Sumathi R.

Introduction: Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to clinical guidelines in surgical care. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the application of evidence-based clinical guidelines contributes to reducing complications, enhancing recovery, and improving patient outcomes. However, inadequate knowledge and practice among nurses can hinder the effectiveness of such guidelines. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Planned Instructional Course on the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding clinical guidelines, and to assess its impact on patient outcomes among individuals undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a selected hospital in Coimbatore. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design was conducted at GEM Hospital, Coimbatore, with 60 participants (30 nurses and 30 patients) selected through convenient sampling. Nurses in the experimental group received a Planned Instructional Course, while the control group received routine care. Knowledge and practice of nurses were assessed using structured tools, and patient outcomes were measured through recovery, complication rate, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results and Conclusion: The intervention significantly improved nurses’ knowledge and practice in the experimental group compared to the control group, with all nurses achieving adequate knowledge and 80% demonstrating adequate practice, while none in the control group reached this level. Patient outcomes also showed better recovery, fewer complications, and higher satisfaction. These findings confirm that the Planned Instructional Course was effective in enhancing nurses’ competence and improving patient outcomes following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.