Knowledge And Practices Regarding Open-System Endotracheal Suctioning Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses At The National Hospital Of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstracts: Open-system endotracheal suctioning (OS-ETS) is performed on critically ill requiring mechanical ventilation to keep the airway patent. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses need to perform this procedure ensuring patient safety while taking measures to prevent ventilator associated pneumonia. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and practices of ICU nurses regarding OS-ETS. In phase I, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess knowledge regarding OS-ETS among a convenience sample of 150 ICU nurses from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka using a pre-tested selfadministered questionnaire. In phase II, a subsample of 50 ICU nurses who participated in the survey were observed while performing OS-ETS by two trained independent raters using a pre-tested previously validated structured 20 item check list. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Mean overall knowledge score was 57.93 ± 12.81, while the mean overall practice score was 63.70 ± 7.81. Participants had good knowledge on indications, suction catheter selection criteria, infection control practices, hyperoxygenation, suction pressure selection and post suction practices. Poor knowledge was evident regarding contraindications, hazards/ complications, patient positioning and suctioning techniques. Good practices were observed among 26 (56%), while poor practices were observed in areas of patient positioning, verbal reassurance, infection control practices and chest auscultation. The findings revealed that ICU nurses have poor overall knowledge on OS-ETS though their practices were favorable. The study highlights the need for continuous professional education for nurses to address the gaps identified and establishing practice guidelines regarding OS-ETS for improving quality and safety in health care.