Effect of Evidence Based Program on Critical Care Nurses' Performance Related to Care for Intubated Patients

Background: Tracheal intubation constitutes the most commonly performed procedure in the
intensive care units and is often lifesaving. In contrast to the high incidence of life-threatening
complications that can be avoided by nursing care. Evidence based practice help critical care nurses
to apply procedures safely for critically ill patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of evidence based
program on critical care nurses' performance related to care for intubated patients. Method: A quasi-
experimental, pre-test and post-test intervention research design was implemented to conduct the
current study. The study was conducted in the general intensive care unit at Benha University
Hospital, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. A convenient sample of 60 critical care nurses of both
gender who assigned care for intubated patients within nine months were enrolled in this study.
Tools: Three tools were used to collect data: (I) a structured questionnaire for nurses which
consisted of nurse's personal data and nurse's knowledge regarding care for intubated patients, (II)
observational checklist for nurses’ practice, (III) nurses’ activities scale. Results: Overall
knowledge level; procedural practice level and activities mean scores showed significant increase
after the program implementation. A statistically significant positive relation was found between
total nurses' knowledge scores and total practice scores with their education qualification in
immediate post and after three months of program implementation. Also, presence a positive
correlation between knowledge, procedural practice and activities pre and post the implementation
of the evidence-based practice program. Conclusion: Performance mean scores of critical care
nurses exposed to evidence- based practice program about intubated patients care was statistically
significantly higher than preprogram implementation. Recommendations: There is a need for an
ongoing planned education and training program offered on a regular basis to critical care nurses to
improve their knowledge, practice, and activities towards following evidence based practice
recommendations to execute the procedure correctly in the intensive care unit to achieve high
quality nursing care for intubated patients