Abstract:
Introduction
Endotracheal suction (ETS) is a common invasive procedure which is done to keep the airways
patent by mechanically removing accumulated pulmonary secretions to all in patients
with artificial airways. Many life-threatening complications can occur when the procedure is
not performed correctly. Although the evidence-based recommendations regarding ETS are
available, many of these have not been observed in nurse's clinical practice. We assessed
the intensive care nurses' knowledge and practice of ETS to intubated patients in selected
hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional study design involving 103 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses in
Dar es Salaam city was conducted in 2014. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20
where descriptive statistics were employed to interpret data.
Results
Majority of ICU nurses (69.9%) knew the indication for the procedure, (77.7%) knew the
action to be taken in case of abrupt change in the ECG monitor; however, 80.6% demonstrated
undesirable overall knowledge on ETS evidence-based recommendations. Nurses
with ICU training (57.3%) significantly demonstrated higher knowledge of ETS than nontrained
nurses (P<0.005), while all other factors had no influence.
Conclusions and recommendations
Majority of ICU nurses do not have desirable knowledge and skills of ETS, and are currently
not following current ETS recommendations. This study has shown that training on ICU skills have positive influence to recommended ETS knowledge. We recommend ICU training,
provision of clinical guidelines and adequate support to nurses employed in ICUs. Also,
further studies using analytical approach to identify other factors beyond the scope of this
study and testing the best approach in fostering adherence to ETS evidence-based recommendations
are crucial.
