A study to investigate Emergency Nurses' current knowledge and perceptions in interpreting ECGs within the Emergency Department

ABSTRACT Background ED nurses’ record ECG’s on a daily basis. ECG’s are the most used cardiovascular diagnostic procedure. Cardiovascular diseases comprises of one quarter of deaths worldwide. Thus, it is paramount... [ view full abstract ]

ABSTRACT

Background

ED nurses’ record ECG’s on a daily basis. ECG’s are the most used cardiovascular diagnostic procedure. Cardiovascular diseases comprises of one quarter of deaths worldwide. Thus, it is paramount that ED nurses are competent in interpreting the recorded ECG to ascertain if the patient upon question requires immediate medical attention or not, enhancing patient safety. Processing an ECG comprises of acquiring, measuring, interpreting, storing, reporting and analysing the data obtained. There are currently no national or international studies surrounding the investigation of ED nurse’s knowledge of interpreting ECG’s, which precipitated the necessity for this study to be conducted.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study is to ascertain emergency nurse’s current knowledge and perceptions interpreting electrocardiographs independently in the Emergency Department.

Methodology

Upon receiving the required ethical approval and permission, a quantitative descriptive research design approach was employed utilising an anonymous questionnaire, incorporating both structured and unstructured questions to obtain an in-depth knowledge into the phenomena. Non-probability sampling was adopted, more specifically purposive sampling, incorporating 100 ED nurses in two large urban teaching hospitals (n=100), with a response rate of 60% (n=60).

Analysis

Overall, the data illustrates that ED nurses record ECGs on a daily basis, but rate their competency level of interpreting ECGs as average. This corresponds to the knowledge which was tested in the questionnaire, where the average competency rate was 53%. Additionally, the perceptions of the participants were disclosed, highlighting what is currently preventing ED nurses from interpreting ECGs and the challenges involved in ECG interpretation. Furthermore, it has been revealed that ED nurses in this study require further training and education on ECG interpretation. The data highlights that ED nurses would benefit from both a competency book and lectures/practical class on ECG interpretation.

Conclusion
The results of this study are of paramount importance to all ED nurses. Information obtained during this study will help to understand the existing knowledge and perceptions of ED nurses in interpreting ECGs. This will assist nurse managers, nurse education and nurse practice development in planning education for the future.