A Comparative Study on Level of Knowledge of Nursing Personnel (ICU, CCU, Emergency/general ward) Regarding Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation in BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal

Abstract

Background: More than 90% of the sudden cardiac arrest is due to ventricular fibrillation. A lot of sudden deaths can be avoided with the arrival of automatic external defibrillator, so all health personnel should have the skill and recent knowledge in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to save lives. This study is thus conducted to compare the level of knowledge between nursing personnel working at critical area and nursing personnel working at general ward regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Methods: The study design is basically analytical and comparative in nature. The study population included 25 nursing personnel working in Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Emergency and 25 nursing personnel working in general ward. The data was collected randomly using semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were compiled and tabulated in master chart manually and then analyzed on the basis of different statistical techniques i.e. numbering, percentage, Z value etc. Results: The findings of this study revealed that staff nurses who were working at critical area were more knowledgeable than staff nurses working in general ward. In critical area 4% had high knowledge, 48% had medium knowledge, 28% had low knowledge and 16% had no knowledge. Similarly in general ward, 40% had medium knowledge, 48% had low knowledge, 8% had no knowledge and 4% didn't answer at all. In critical area, 84% and in general ward 60% wanted the training on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Conclusions: Staff nurses who were working at critical area were more knowledgeable than staff nurses working in general ward. Nursing personnel having less knowledge are in need of further training to improve the quality of service. Keywords: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; critical area; general ward; knowledge; staff nurses.