Medical staff's knowledge of pulse oximetry: A prospective survey conducted in a tertiary children's hospital

Abstract

The results of the survey showed there is an insufficiency of knowledge and understanding among medical staff concerning the principles, clinical applications and limitations of pulse oximetry. More emphasis needs to be placed on teaching these principles to ensure quality care for patients.

Knowledge of pulse oximetry: comparison among intensive care, anesthesiology and emergency nurses

“…1994, Kruger & Longden 1996, Howell 2002), in defining normal minimum readings (Bilgin et al. 2000, Harper 2004) and in understanding the oxygen dissociation curve (Teoh et al. 2003, Popovich et al.…”

“…Significant proportions of participants were found to have a poor understanding about how pulse oximetry works (Kruger & Longden 1996, Bilgin et al 2000, Faponle & Erhabor 2002, Howell 2002, Davies et al 2003 and knowledge deficits about what it measures (Stoneham et al 1994, Howell 2002, Harper 2004. Moreover, alarmingly low scores were reported in identifying pulse oximetry limitations or factors affecting the accuracy of its readings (Stoneham et al 1994, Kruger & Longden 1996, Howell 2002, in defining normal minimum readings (Bilgin et al 2000, Harper 2004) and in understanding the oxygen dissociation curve (Teoh et al 2003, Popovich et al 2004.…”

Graduate nurses’ knowledge of the functions and limitations of pulse oximetry

“…This current study reflects results of previous studies where clinicians’ knowledge of the oxyhaemoglobin disassociation curve and its relationship with PO interpretation was found to be poor (Teoh et al . , Popovich et al . , Huijgen et al .…”

Pulse Oximetry: A Survey of Knowledge among Staff of an Emergency Department

“…A 25-item multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to all medical and nursing staff of the AHNH Accident and Emergency Department (AED), comprising trainee residents, non-trainee residents, senior medical officers, registered nurses and nursing officers. The questionnaire was adapted from the previous studies by Stoneham et al, Teoh et al and Popovich et al [3][4][5] The questionnaire consisted of 3 demographic information entries and 7 questions to test the respondents' knowledge about the underlying physiology of pulse oximetry. Another 3 questions (with a total of 14 items) were related to circumstances affecting and limiting the use of pulse oximetry.…”