Cardiac dysrhythmias Interpretation: Knowledge Enhancement Nursing Protocol

Abstract

Background: Cardiac dysrhythmias are a major cause of morbidity, increased hospital length and higher economic costs. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of knowledge enhancement nursing protocol regarding cardiac dysrhythmias interpretation through the following: a) Assess nurses' level of knowledge regarding cardiac dysrhythmias interpretation pre implementation of enhancement nursing protocol. b) Design & Implement knowledge enhancement nursing protocol based on nurses' needs assessment c) Evaluate nurses' level of knowledge regarding cardiac dysrhythmias interpretation post implementation of enhancement nursing protocol. Study design: A quasi –experimental design was utilized. Setting: this study was conducted at the intensive care units in El-Demerdash Hospital, which is affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo-Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 60 nurses from the previously mentioned setting was included in this study. Data collection: data were collected pre and post knowledge enhancement nursing protocol using cardiac dysrhythmias interpretation assessment questionnaire; Part I: Nurses’ Demographic Characteristics and Part II: Nurses’ Knowledge Assessment Results: There were statistically significant difference between mean scores of nurses' knowledge regarding cardiac dysrhythmias interpretation pre and post implementation of nursing protocol. Conclusion: The finding of the current study proved the hypothesis of this study which stated that implementation of knowledge enhancement nursing protocol will upgrade nurses' knowledge regarding cardiac dysrhythmias interpretation. Recommendations: All opportunities for improving nurses' competence for caring of patients with cardiac dysrhythmias as workshops, seminars, conference, and in-service education program regarding ECG interpretation should be utilized periodically.