Formació per infermeres d’Atenció Primària en la cura d’infants amb Trastorn de l’Espectre Autista. Projecte de recerca

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior, with symptoms manifesting from early childhood. It is primarily characterized by difficulty communicating, repetitive behavior patterns, and marked sensory hypersensitivity. In recent years, its prevalence has significantly increased, with an estimated rate of 1 in every 100 children. The diagnosis can be made from 18 months onward, through the detection of warning signs and the use of various scales within Primary Care consultations. Several studies, such as the one published by BMC Medical Education in 2023, indicate that healthcare professionals' training related to ASD is limited, and this lack of training can generate insecurity among healthcare staff and hinder effective communication with families and the children themselves. In response to this situation, the main objective of this project is to evaluate whether specific training directed at Primary Care nurses can improve the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a quasi-experimental study conducted in the Roses Basic Area. Participants, pediatric nurses, will be divided into two groups: one will receive specific training, and the other will not. Additionally, data will be collected using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to assess their knowledge and skills before and after the training. The aim is to analyze whether the training positively impacts healthcare, fostering more assertive and effective communication, as well as greater security and confidence among nurses when working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Moreover, the study aims to highlight the need to emphasize the importance of investing in continuous training for healthcare staff on topics such as autism, as training is a key tool to improve both diagnosis and the quality of life of these children