Nurses’ Experiences and Perspectives on Perioperative Care During Neonatal Circumcision: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: To explore nurses’ knowledge, experiences and perceptions of perioperative care related to neonatal circumcision and to identify implications for nursing practice and care standardization. Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Methods: Twenty-eight nurses working in neonatal care settings and involved in neonatal circumcision care were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured indepth interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Findings: Five themes were identified: (1) knowledge and training needs, (2) clinical assessment of circumcision timing, (3) postoperative nursing care and family education, (4) interprofessional collaboration and nursing roles in perioperative care, and (5) policy and protocol needs. Nurses described variation in clinical practices and highlighted challenges related to pain assessment, bleeding and complication monitoring, and family education. Clinical experience was perceived as an important contributor to competence. Participants also emphasized the importance of coordinated perioperative care and greater standardization of neonatal circumcision practices. Conclusions: Nurses have important roles throughout neonatal circumcision care, particularly in clinical assessment, pain and complication monitoring, family education, and interprofessional coordination. Practice-oriented education, standardized perioperative care protocols, and strengthened interdisciplinary communication may contribute to safer and more consistent neonatal circumcision care.