Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making related to sepsis assessment and management in Palestinian intensive care units

Abstract

Introduction Sepsis is a major global health issue leading to severe organ damage and causing 11 million deaths annually. It affects 50 million people worldwide and requires extensive knowledge and resources. Intensive care nurses play an important role in evaluating sepsis, identifying it, escalating care, and initiating treatment. This study aimed to assess the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making skills related to sepsis assessment and management, and determine the factors influencing nurses’ decision-making in ICUs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among ICU registered nurses in Palestine. A convenience sample of 243 participants was recruited. A structured self-reported questionnaire comprising three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey, and the Nurses’ Decision-Making Instrument (NDMI) was used to collect the data from April to June 2024. Results The findings revealed that participants demonstrated means of 82.74 ± 16.34, 72.31 ± 22.32, and 88.36 ± 14.84 for knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making skills, respectively, reflecting high knowledge, moderate attitudes, and high decision-making skills levels. Decision-making skills were correlated with knowledge (r = 0.348, p < 0.001), attitudes (r = 0.607, p < 0.001), sex (r= -0.193, p < 0.01), and sepsis training (r = 0.607, p < 0.001). The predictors of decision-making skills were sepsis training (B = 0.413, p < 0.01), attitudes (B = 0.354, p < 0.01), and knowledge (B = 0.147, p < 0.01). Conclusion This study highlights that ICU nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and training significantly influence their decision-making skills related to sepsis management. Targeted sepsis education programs, incorporating early recognition strategies, guideline adherence, and protocol-driven interventions, are crucial for enhancing nurses’ clinical decision-making. Strengthening these educational initiatives will improve timely and evidence-based sepsis care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes in ICUs.