Effectiveness of Structured Electrocardiography Training Programme among Registered Nurses

Abstract

Cardiovascular disorders make up a large burden on existing health care system. Besides history and physical examination, the electrocardiography (ECG) remains the Àrst and foremost diagnostic investigation to assess the electrical and muscular activity of the heart. Basic understanding of life-threatening cardiac rhythms and their management is an essential skill to salvage the suffering patients. This study aimed to assess the baseline ECG knowledge and also the effectiveness of a structured ECG programme on the knowledge score among registered nurses working at various health care levels. It also aimed to Ànd out the association between knowledge on ECG monitoring, interpretation and other variables. One group pre-test post design was used. In total 101 registered nurses (RNs)were recruited using convenient sampling technique. Demographic and educational proÀ le was assessed. The baseline knowledge scores were assessed using self-designed reliable and valid ECG monitoring and interpretation questionnaire following which structured ECG teaching programme was implemented, and post-test was taken for the knowledge score. Teaching content on ECG monitoring and interpretation was prepared on the basis of review of literature and in consultation with experts. Content validity of teaching content was established by giving it to Àve experts in different Àelds and modiÀ cations were made according to experts’ suggestions. The tools were pre-tested before use among À ve nursing ofÀ cers. Reliability coefÀ cient of structured knowledge questionnaire was found out by using Split half technique and the tool was found reliable (r=0.90). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Majority i.e. 39 (38.61%) of the RNs had educational qualiÀcation upto BSc Nursing and majority i.e. 68 (67.33%) had attended ECG learning programme within last three months, majority i.e. 84 (82%) were female, mean age was 33.3 years (mini-22, max-52), majority i.e. 48 (47.5%) had clinical experience of 5-10 years. About half (49.5%) of them had average pre-test knowledge score, 49 (48.5%) had poor pre-test knowledge score. There was a signiÀ cant improvement (p=0.0001) in the mean knowledge score from 4.99 r 2.16 to 8.96 r 1.76. There was a signiÀcant association (p=0.02) between knowledge gain and recent attendance in ECG workshop during past three months.