Critical Care Nurses' Knowledge and Practices About Sepsis Bundle Among Critically Ill Patients at Emergency Hospital Mansoura University

Abstract

Background: Literature review cited that, Sepsis is a common clinical condition associated with a high mortality rate among hospitalized patients and constitutes one of the main causes of death worldwide. Critical care nurses are the health care professionals who have the obligation to protect critically ill patients against infection especially that leading to sepsis, in order to enhance patients' recovery, prevent deterioration in their health, and provide high quality nursing care. Even so critical care nurses should have sound knowledge and strict adherence to sepsis bundle. Aim of the study: to assess nurses' knowledge and evaluate their practice regarding sepsis bundle. Research design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Sample: A convenience sample that including 50 ICU nurses was recruited in the current study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive Care Units at Emergency Hospital Mansoura University. Tools of data collection: Two tools were utilized, tested for clarity and viability, and then used to collect data pertinent to the study: Tool I: Structured Interview Questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge regarding sepsis bundle. Tool II: Nurses' Practice Observational Checklist to evaluate nurses' practice regarding sepsis bundle. Results: the current study revealed that, approximately two-thirds (68%) of the studied sample had unsatisfactory knowledge level (<75%) with a mean total knowledge score of (43.82 ± 7.95). As well as, all studied sample (100%) had unsatisfactory performance level (<75%) with a mean total performance scores of (59.58 ± 5.7). Negative correlations were found between mean knowledge scores and mean practice scores; (r = 0.1at P = 0.5). Conclusion: Based on study findings, it can be revealed that critical care nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and performance level regarding sepsis bundle. Recommendation: updating knowledge and performance of ICU nurses through continuing in-service educational programs; emphasizing the importance of following the latest evidence-based practices regarding sepsis bundle in continuing education / training programs; strict observation of nurses' performance and utilization of sepsis bundle and correction of poor practices are required; and providing training programs for newly joined ICU nurses about sepsis bundle and at regular intervals.