effects of ETT suction education on the knowledge and performance of intensive care nurses

ABSTRACT

Many neonates require oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation and endotracheal tube [ETT] suction is a vital protocol for the maintenance of artificial airway patency But suctioning is associated with serious complications including hypoxia. Despite some existing protocols nurses still use it injudiciously in pediatric and neonatal patient groups. Therefore, continuing education has been regarded as a tool to cope with the fast changes in care methods and improving nursing Professional standards. The study was conducted to evaluate the training and educational needs in nurses working with NICUs affiliated to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences to increase their potential with regards to ETT suctioning. An experimental interventional study. NICUs affiliated to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz [Iran] during 2006. Sample size was 50 persons caring for neonates with ETTs under mechanical ventilation. Using systematic random allocation, they were divided into study and control groups. Data collection was done by a test with 30 points to evaluate knowledge and a check list with 47 points to evaluate performance. After random allocation, the subjects' knowledge was evaluated. Then, ETT suction education was given to the test group and NICU infection control education was given to the controls. Two days and two months after the intervention, the subjects were re-evaluated. The results were compared. Man-Whitney test showed that the level of knowledge between the two groups at the beginning of the study had no significant difference [p = 0.71], while the average score in the two groups 2 days and 2 months after the intervention [education] had significant difference [p = 0.001]. There was a significant difference 2 days and 2 months after intervention in the performance. It can be concluded that education significantly increases the level of knowledge and degree of performance of neonatal endotracheal tube suctioning; however, with the passage of time, the levels fall, necessitating the need for continued education in this matter