The Competency Level of Emergency Nurses Regarding Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Palestine رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Introduction: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is of the most used tools inside emergency rooms (ER) by nurses in their diagnosing and triaging process, and therefore, it is crucial for them to acquire the suitable level of competency in ECG interpretation, which will foster health care and improve patient outcomes. The aim of the current study is to investigate the competency level among ER nurses in West Bank Palestine regarding the interpretation of ECG, and the most corresponding sociodemographic and professional factors. Method: A cross sectional descriptive design was selected, and a sample of 196 ER nurses were recruited conveniently and were asked to fill a self administered questionnaire that was based on previous literature. Data were analyzed using SPSS with the full commitment to ethical considerations. Results: With a response rate of 86.7%, 70.9% of nurses were males, 65.3% holding bachelor’s degree in nursing, 89.3% working in governmental hospitals, 46.9% with 1 5 years of experience, and 60.7% received previous courses related to ECG interpretation. The mean competency level of ER nurses was satisfying (60.714%), with 38.8% having poor level of competency, significantly higher among nurses with higher educational level (p value < 0.001), who took previous ECG courses (p value = 0.045) and life support (p value < 0.05) and who are exposed to more ECG interpretations per day (p value = 0.001). Conclusion: It is recommended to focus more on ECG competency levels in the Palestinian literature, and compare between different departments, with the need to assess nurses’ needs in terms of continuous education.