| dc.description.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. | en_US |
