Knowledge of intensive care nurses in selected care areas commonly guided by protocols

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) in respect of pain management, glycaemic control and weaning from mechanical ventilation. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional survey design was used. All ICU-trained and non-ICU-trained registered nurses (N=136) working in the ICUs of selected public and private hospitals were invited to participate. RESULTS: The knowledge of both the ICU-trained and non-ICU-trained nurses was found to be lacking. The overall mean score (standard deviation) obtained was 47.56% (11.61). The ICU-trained participants obtained 50.11% (11.96) and non-ICU-trained participants obtained 45.01% (10.75). This difference, although small, was statistically significant (p=0.0099). A poor relationship was found between level of knowledge and years of ICU experience. CONCLUSION: Nurses lack knowledge in the three care areas tested. ICU nurses'experience cannot be relied upon as a source of knowledge for decision-making about protocol-directed care. It is suggested that on-going educational programmes be introduced into ICUs to address this shortfall in knowledge.