Assessment of mechanical ventilation practices and its associated factors among intensive care nurses at Muhimbili tertiary teaching hospitals

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Although mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving intervention, if not properly done it can adversely affect patients leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Nurses caring for critically ill patients must demonstrate good knowledge and practice on mechanical ventilation to prevent ventilator related complications. Aim of the study: To assess mechanical ventilation practices and its associated factors among intensive care nurses at Muhimbili Tertiary Teaching Hospitals. Methodology: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute- Intensive Care Units. The study included 81 nurses who were directly involved in care of mechanically ventilated patients, obtained through consecutive sampling technique. Adapted Questionnaire and Observational Checklist were used to capture the data. A score of ≥ 75% on the scored items was regarded as adequate practices from observational checklist and good knowledge from self-administered questionnaire. Data were processed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Proportions were used to summarize descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (p<0.05) was used to establish statistical significance. Results: Only 21% of nurses demonstrated good mechanical ventilation practices and four nurses (4.9%) had good knowledge. There was a statistically significant association between mechanical ventilation practices and continuing medical education (CME), good knowledge, increasing level of education, and utilization of mechanical ventilation management guidelines (p <0.01). Conclusion and recommendations: The overall mechanical ventilation practices of intensive care nurses is unsatisfactory and there is a significant knowledge gap. Therefore, offering opportunities for post-graduate training in critical care nursing, emphasizing nurses' participation in CME programs and ensuring the availability and utilization of operational guidelines are crucial in improving the quality of mechanical ventilation practice.