Knowledge of post-operative airway emergencies in recovery room nurses in selected hospitals

Abstract

Background Recovery room nurses are required to have knowledge, skills and competency to recognise and safely manage post-operative airway emergencies in adult patients. Aim The aim of this study was to describe the level of knowledge of post-operative airway emergencies in recovery room nurses working at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) and Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH). Method A prospective, contextual and descriptive research design, involving a self-administered questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: demographic data and knowledge based questioned, Convenience sampling was used. The sample population was formed by all recovery room nurses on duty at a given time, who voluntarily elected to participate. Results Descriptive statistics were used. The overall mean score obtained by the 24 participants was 46.2% (SD 21.7%) which is 23.8% below the competency score of 70%. The range of scores attained by participants was 8-75% with only five participants (20.8%) achieving a score ≥ 70%. Conclusion Recovery room nurses working at CHBAH, CMJAH and HJH did not have the necessary knowledge and competency required to safely provide quality nursing care to post-operative patients. The majority of participants failed to achieve a set competency score, representing adequate knowledge. As the study was contextual, the results could not be generalised.