Aims and objectives
The purpose of this study was to determine nurses’ perceptions about caring for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Background
Annually, it is estimated that over 10 million people sustain a TBI around the world. Patients with TBI and families are often concerned with expectations about recovery and seek information from nurses. Nurses’ perceptions of care might influence information provided to patients and families, particularly if inaccurate knowledge and perceptions are held. Thus, nurses must be knowledgeable about care of these patients.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey, the Perceptions of Brain Injury Survey (PBIS), was completed electronically by 513 nurses between October and December 2014. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling, factor analysis, and pairwise comparisons.
Results
Using latent class analysis, authors were able to divide nurses into three homogeneous sub-groups based on perceived knowledge: low, moderate, and high. Findings showed nurses who care for patients with TBI the most have the highest perceived confidence but the lowest perceived knowledge. Nurses also had significant variations in training.
Conclusions
As there is limited literature on nurses’ perceptions of caring for patients with TBI, these findings have implications for training and educating nurses, including direction for development of nursing educational interventions.
Relevance to clinical practice
As the incidence of TBI is growing, it is imperative that nurses be knowledgeable about care of patients with these injuries. The PBIS can be used to determine inaccurate perceptions about caring for patients with TBI before educating and training nurses.