Bridging The Knowledge, Practice Gap Among Pediatric Nurses Regarding Electrocardiograph Implementation and Interpretation Skills for Pediatric Patients

Ahmed Elbilgahy, Amal; Refaat Ibrahim, Mona; Elsaeed Hashad, Reham; Said Fawzy, Manal; Attia Mohammed, Boshra

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2023.336653

Bridging The Knowledge, Practice Gap Among Pediatric Nurses Regarding Electrocardiograph Implementation and Interpretation Skills for Pediatric Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

² Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

³ Professor of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal university, Ismailia, Egypt

⁴ Assistant professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt and Associated professor, Nursing program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudia Arabia

10.21608/ejhc.2023.336653

Abstract

Background: The effective implementation and interpretation of electrocardiographs (ECGs) are crucial in providing optimal care for pediatric patients. However, there exists a knowledge-practice gap among pediatric nurses in this area, which can lead to compromise patient outcomes. The study purpose was to evaluate the impact of an educational program on improving the knowledge and practice of pediatric nurses regarding ECG implementation and interpretation skills. Methods: The study design used was quasi-experimental, with a pre- and posttest strategy. The study was conducted on a convenience sample of 46 nurses working in the Cardiac Care Unit and the cardiac department at Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Egypt. Two tools were used for data collection namely: ECG preparation and interpretation skill assessment sheet and the nurses' knowledge and practice concerning electrocardiogram implementation and interpretation questionnaire sheet Results: The findings revealed that prior to the educational intervention, nurses had limited knowledge and faced challenges in accurately interpreting pediatric ECGs. Following the implementation of the educational program, a significant improvement was observed in the nurses' knowledge and practice regarding ECG implementation and interpretation skills. The most common causes of gab in knowledge & practice regarding ECG interpretation as replied by the majority of nurses (81.8% & 90,9%) were lack of training and professional development program as well as lack of ECG interpretation protocol respectively. In conclusion, implementing an educational program significantly improves the knowledge and practice of pediatric nurses in ECG implementation and interpretation skills. Therefore, the researcher recommends continuous training programs and educational sessions for pediatric nurses about ECG interpretation is mandatory.

Keywords