Knowledge Level of Nurses on Electrocardiogram Intepretation And Management at Critical Care Units, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

The electrocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that is used to evaluate the electrical and muscular activity of the heart. With global and regional rise in cardiovascular disorders, knowledge on electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation plays a major role in monitoring and diagnosing heart disorders. Critical care nurses (CCNs) often work closely with patients round the clock. They are therefore mandated to possess high level of competence on ECG interpretation in order to detect and capture early any life threatening arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge level of nurses on normal and abnormal ECG interpretation and management at the Critical Care Units, Kenyatta National Hospital. A cross sectional study design was applied. Convenience sampling technique was utilized. Data was collected using a self- administered questionnaire to 131 nurses working in main critical care unit (CCU) and selected satellite CCUs in the hospital. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Inferential statistics were analyzed using Chi Square. The overall knowledge on ECG interpretation and management was found to be 80.9%. This is a “good” level based on the grading criteria used. The knowledge on normal ECG interpretation was 85.2% while that of abnormal ECG interpretation was 72.1%. The knowledge on management of abnormal ECG was scored at 72.6%. There was no significant relationship between knowledge on normal ECG and socio- demographic factors of the respondents. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between age and years of experience of the respondents with knowledge on interpretation of abnormal ECG strips, P value 0.004 and 0.008 respectively. A knowledge gap existed whereby some variables of abnormal ECG strips were interpreted below 70% which was considered unsatisfactory. The study also revealed a gap on monitoring compliance to Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. The researcher recommends periodic scheduling of Continuous professional development (CPD) programmes to enhance competency. A committee can be set up to monitor compliance of ACLS certification. The curriculum in basic nursing training can also be reviewed to include practical sessions on ECG interpretation and management. A similar study can be carried out in other hospitals both public and private within the country.