Knowledge of Defibrillation practice Amongst Nurses and Medical Doctors at a Tertiary Hospital in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction Defibrillation is a potentially crucial component in resuscitating cardiac arrest patients. Appropriately trained healthcare workers in an emergency department should be able to identify a rhythm requiring defibrillation. This study assesses the knowledge of defibrillation at a South African academic hospital. Methods This mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 December 2022 to 20 May 2023. Various levels of nurses and medical doctors working in the emergency department were given questionnaires to enquire about their knowledge and understanding of defibrillation. Results One hundred and two questionnaires were returned, of which 34 (33.3%) were nurses, and 68 (66.7%) were doctors. There was no significant difference in defibrillator location awareness between doctors and nurses in the ED (89.7% vs. 88.2%, p= 0.999). Only 46 (46.0%) of the respondents knew the first energy requirement (Joules) to defibrillate a patient correctly, four nurses (11.8%) and 42 doctors (61.8%), respectively (p< 0.001). Having done an ACLS course was associated with knowledge of the first energy requirement of a shockable rhythm (p= 0.001), the correct pads/paddle placement (P= 0.001), indications for defibrillation (p< 0.001), and the type of defibrillator (p < 0.001). Being a doctor, having done an ACLS course, and having more than five years of experience were statistically significant in identifying all the rhythms correctly (p= 0.029, 0.002, and 0.038), respectively. viii Conclusion Medical doctors and nurses working in the ED should be continuously monitored for defibrillation knowledge, and medical professionals should receive regular and updated training.