Item Analysis of the Modified Version of the Routine Blood Transfusion Knowledge Questionnaire.

Background and Purpose: Item analysis is important in examining the quality of items. The main aims of this sub-study were to assess and improve the psychometric properties of the modified version of the Routine Blood Transfusion Knowledge Questionnaire (RBTKQ-2) and produce an optimized version (RBTKQ-O) of it. Methods: Statistical item analysis was performed on the RBTKQ-2 after completion by 305 nurses. Results: There were one (3%) easy, 15 (47%) moderately difficult, and 16 (50%) difficult items. Twenty six (81%) items and six (19%) had positive significant and weak point-biserial correlation respectively. The majority of distractors (n = 66, 64%) were functional. Four sources of information, including item analysis data, informed the development of the RBTKQ-O. Conclusions: The RBTKQ-O addressed the limitations that were identified in the versions published earlier. This version can be used by researchers and academics worldwide.

Flaws of Multiple Choice Questions in Teacher-Constructed Nursing Examinations: A Pilot Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: In many middle eastern universities, English is the medium of instruction and testing. As nurse educators construct multiple choice questions (MCQs), it is essential that items are developed to be valid and reliable to assess student learning. METHOD: This study examined the structure of 98 MCQs included in nursing examinations at three middle eastern universities using a checklist composed of 22 literature-based principles. RESULTS: Ninety MCQs (91.8%) experienced one or more item-writing flaws. Examples of these included linguistic errors, various problems with the stem, and answer options. Of importance, most faculty did not use item analysis to assess the integrity of the examinations. CONCLUSION: Results confirm concerns about the standards faculty use for test construction and item analysis. Universities must ensure that the faculty they hired are fluent in English. Faculty would also benefit from workshops that focus on test construction and the use of item analysis. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(8):490-496.].

Knowledge of blood transfusion among nurses.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To measure nurses' knowledge of blood transfusion in the United Arab Emirates. BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice and nurses' knowledge of it is essential for safe practice. Yet little is known about their blood transfusion practice and the knowledge that underpins it. The few studies that have investigated this topic previously have shown deficiencies in both knowledge and practice. To date, no such study has been carried out in the Middle East. DESIGNS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study. METHODS: A random sample of 248 nurses from two general hospitals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The response rate was 94AE3%. A knowledge questionnaire comprising six sections and 49 items was developed for this study. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The overall knowledge scores of nurses were generally low ranging from 27-56 of a possible score of 70. Data analysis revealed knowledge deficits in several key aspects of blood transfusion. There were statistically significant relationship between nurses' knowledge and the work setting, the country where they trained and type of qualifications. CONCLUSION: This survey highlighted knowledge deficits which could be detrimental to patient safety. These results have implications for nursing education, policy and practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses have the responsibility to update their knowledge of and skills in carrying out blood transfusion. The tool developed in this study may be useful for educators and managers to identify gaps in knowledge and inform decisions to address them.

Nurses' practice of blood transfusion in the United Arab Emirates: an observational study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to document nurses' practice of red blood cells transfusion. BACKGROUND: In the United Arab Emirates hospitals, nurses are responsible for the administration of blood transfusions. The safety and effectiveness of the transfusion process is dependent, among others, on the knowledge and skills of nurses who perform the procedure. Poor practice may result in avoidable complications that may threaten patients' safety. Published work indicated that nurses' practice varied across contexts and highlighted that patients received suboptimal care and incorrect transfusion that culminated in death or morbidity. In the United Arab Emirates, publications related to nurses' practice of blood transfusion are lacking. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHODS: Data were collected by means of non-participant structured observation. Data collection was undertaken in two general public hospitals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A random sample of 50 nurses from both hospitals was selected. Each nurse was observed once, from 10 minutes prior to blood collection until 15 minutes after initiating a transfusion. RESULTS: Forty-nine nurses (98%) were observed. The maximum obtained score was 13 points of a possible score of 21, and 75% of nurses scored below the 50% level. Practice deficiencies included improper patient identification, suboptimal vital signs documentation and invalid methods of blood warming. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in both hospitals were at risk of receiving incorrect blood, suffering unobserved transfusion reaction and acquiring bacterial infection. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study revealed inadequate practices that nurses and hospitals should strive to change to provide a safer and more effective care that would, hopefully, minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of blood transfusion. These findings also have implications for clinical supervision and nurse education.

Trained nurses' knowledge and practice of oral care on three wards in acute care hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE

BACKGROUND. Mouth care is an essential nursing procedure that nurses are expected to have good knowledge of. Poor knowledge may compromise the quality of patient care and result in unsafe practice. Documentation of nurses' current knowledge and practice is crucial if improvement efforts are to proceed. AIMS. To investigate nurses' reported knowledge and practice of oral care, to identify the relationship between nurses' knowledge and practice and their demographics, and to identify nurses' perceived barriers to good practice. METHODS. Cross-sectional descriptive survey. 58 nurses on three wards represented the target population. The questionnaire generated information about personal data, education and level of knowledge and practice of mouth care. RESULTS. 46 nurses (79%) completed the questionnaire. Questionnaire analysis revealed knowledge deficits about several important aspects of oral care and inadequate practice.However, no statistically significant differences were detected among groups. Lack of materials, lack of time, and uncooperative patients were perceived barriers to good practice. CONCLUSION. It is now time for action. Paste and brush should be regularly provided. Hydrogen Peroxide 3% to be withdrawn. Nurses's knowledge to be improved. Individual results to be disseminated to each ward.