INTRODUCTION
The standards of care and professional performance serve as a
framework for ensuring high-quality maternal and child nursing practices in
the Philippines. These standards are essential for promoting safe, effective,
and evidence-based nursing care for mothers, children, and families. By
aligning nursing practices with these standards, healthcare providers can
ensure that the care delivered meets both the physical and psychosocial
needs of patients within a family-centered care approach.
Here’s how the standards of care and professional performance could apply
to maternal and child healthcare practices in the Philippines:
STANDARDS OF CARE
Maternal and child nursing care focuses on the holistic well-being of mothers,
children, and their families, aiming for optimal health outcomes across
different stages of life. The following standards guide nurses through the
nursing process in providing care:
Standard I: Assessment
Nurses systematically gather comprehensive health data about
mothers, infants, children, and families. This includes maternal health
history, prenatal and postnatal assessments, and evaluating the child’s
growth, development, and overall health.
For example, maternal care nurses assess pregnancy-related
conditions like preeclampsia, while pediatric nurses monitor children
for developmental milestones and signs of malnutrition, common
concerns in the Philippine healthcare setting.
Standard II: Diagnosis
Nurses interpret assessment data to determine nursing diagnoses that
address the needs of mothers and children. This includes identifying
health risks such as anemia in pregnant women or respiratory
infections in children.
Standard III: Outcome Identification
Nurses work with families to establish achievable and culturally
appropriate outcomes tailored to their unique needs. For instance, they
may focus on reducing maternal mortality or improving exclusive
breastfeeding rates, aligning with the Philippines' national health goals.
Standard IV: Planning
A care plan is developed that prescribes evidence-based interventions.
For maternal and child nursing in the Philippines, this might include
family planning education, immunization schedules, or strategies to
address common conditions like diarrhea and malnutrition in children.
Standard V: Implementation
Nurses carry out planned interventions, such as administering
vaccines, teaching breastfeeding techniques, or supporting mothers
during labor and delivery. They may also address common health
disparities by coordinating access to government programs like
PhilHealth or the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
Standard VI: Evaluation
Nurses continuously assess the effectiveness of the interventions and
modify care plans as needed. For example, they evaluate whether
nutrition counseling has improved the child’s weight gain or if prenatal
interventions have reduced complications during childbirth.
STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
To maintain excellence in maternal and child care, nurses adhere to these
professional performance standards:
Standard I: Quality of Care
Regular evaluation of nursing practices ensures care aligns with the
Department of Health (DOH) policies and global standards, such as
those established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Standard II: Performance Appraisal
Nurses assess their own skills and knowledge, ensuring their practice is
current and in line with the professional standards set by the Philippine
Nurses Association (PNA).
Standard III: Education
Continuous professional development is key, with nurses participating
in training programs on topics like family planning, maternal care, or
the management of common pediatric illnesses.
Standard IV: Collegiality
Nurses collaborate with peers and health workers in rural health units,
barangay health stations, and hospitals to share best practices and
foster professional growth.
Standard V: Ethics
Ethical principles guide nurses in decision-making, respecting the
rights and cultural values of patients while addressing sensitive issues
like reproductive health and adolescent pregnancy.
Standard VI: Collaboration
Nurses work alongside midwives, doctors, community health workers,
and families to provide integrated care. Collaboration is especially
critical in rural areas where access to healthcare may be limited.
Standard VII: Research
Involvement in research enables nurses to apply evidence-based
practices. For instance, Filipino nurses may investigate strategies to
reduce the high rates of maternal mortality in certain regions.
Standard VIII: Resource Utilization
Nurses consider the cost-effectiveness and safety of care interventions,
especially in under-resourced settings. They advocate for equitable
distribution of health services, ensuring low-income families can access
care.
Family-Centered and Holistic Approach
The family-centered care framework emphasizes the inclusion of families in
decision-making and care processes. Nurses build trusting relationships and
educate families on health promotion and disease prevention. In the
Philippines, this approach is particularly important given the close-knit family
dynamics and the role of extended family members in caregiving.
By adhering to these standards, maternal and child nursing in the Philippines
can effectively address public health challenges such as reducing maternal
and neonatal mortality, improving child nutrition, and enhancing access to
reproductive health services.
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