School of Clinical Medicine (ETDs)

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Browsing School of Clinical Medicine (ETDs) by Keyword "Airway management"

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    Anaesthetic nurses’ knowledge and skills in perioperative airway management at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dold, Matthew
    Background: Airway management in the peri-operative period carries specific inherent risks, and the benefit of assistance by a skilled anaesthetic nurse cannot be over-stated. The aim of this study was to assess the theoretical and clinical knowledge regarding perioperative airway management in anaesthetic nurses at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). Method: A quantitative, contextual, cross-sectional and descriptive survey was performed by means of a self-administered anonymous questionnaire using convenience sampling. The questionnaire assessed identification of airway equipment, knowledge of the cleaning, maintenance and use of equipment and clinically applicable insight into perioperative airway procedures and emergencies. It’s adequacy and validity were ensured by means of the Angoff standard setting method. Data was analysed in consultation with a biostatistician. Results: A total of 68 nurses took part in the study. By distribution of rank, 78% (n=53) enrolled nurses, 19% (n=13) professional nurses and 3% (n=2) nursing assistants. The incidence of prior airway training was 41% (n=28). The overall mean questionnaire score was 69,8% (SD: 9.6%) with a range of 45% - 97%. Only 19% (n=13) of nurses achieved adequate overall scores. Years of experience was positively associated with overall mean scores (p=0.0009) and adequacy of knowledge (OR 1.28, p=0.004). Airway training showed a small increase mean scores (mean difference=4.63%, p=0.049). There were no statistically significant associations between adequate knowledge and age, prior airway training and nurse qualification. Conclusion: This study found that the theoretical and clinical knowledge of perioperative airway management of many anaesthetic nurses at CHBAH is inadequate. Knowledge adequacy improved with increasing experience but not with current forms of formal training. This may be attributed to the low frequency of training as well as the type of training methods currently employed; both of which should be addressed to improve anaesthetic nurse competence and ultimately patient perioperative safety