DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine knowledge regarding Oxygen Therapy (OT) among nurses and technicians working in ICUs & Emergency units in two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology

Cross-sectional analytical study conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 using a questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding oxygen therapy. The questionnaire comprised five sections. 96 participants (79 nurses and 17 technicians) from emergency departments and intensive care units of tertiary care hospitals in Karachi were included through universal sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Knowledge levels were categorized using Bloom's original cut-off points: 80-100% for good knowledge, 60-79% for moderate knowledge, and <60% for poor knowledge.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Obtain Institutional Review Board Approval"] --> B["Conduct Study at Two Tertiary Care Hospitals"];
    B --> C["Recruit 96 Nurses and Technicians via Universal Sampling"];
    C --> D["Obtain Written Consent"];
    D --> E["Administer Structured Questionnaire on Oxygen Therapy Knowledge"];
    E --> F["Collect Data"];
    F --> G["Analyze Data using SPSS 21.0"];
    G --> H["Categorize Knowledge Levels"];
    H --> I["Interpret Results and Draw Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that the knowledge of nurses and technicians regarding oxygen therapy in emergency and ICU settings is not up to the required standards. While knowledge of recognizing hypoxemia was good, other areas like oxygen delivery and general oxygen therapy knowledge were found to be lacking. This suggests a need for continuous educational sessions to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in this critical area.

Key Findings

Overall knowledge of oxygen therapy among the participants was: 11.5% had good knowledge, 61.4% had moderate knowledge, and 27.1% had poor knowledge. Knowledge regarding recognizing hypoxemia was good (average 83.1%). Knowledge regarding indications for acute oxygen therapy was moderate (average 74.4%). Knowledge regarding oxygen delivery was very low (average 57.9%).

Conclusion

The knowledge of nurses and technicians regarding the use of oxygen therapy in tertiary care hospitals in Karachi is not up to the standard. A significant proportion of participants demonstrated moderate to poor knowledge, indicating a need for enhanced training and adherence to guidelines.

Fact Check

* Study Period: The study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020.
* Participant Numbers: 96 participants were included, consisting of 79 nurses and 17 technicians.
* Knowledge Distribution: 11.5% of respondents had good knowledge, 61.4% had moderate knowledge, and 27.1% had poor knowledge of oxygen therapy.

Mind Map