An educational programme for critical care nurses on the interpretation of ventilator graphics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of critical care nurses regarding ventilator waveforms in order to develop an educational programme on this topic. A quantitative, descriptive, contextual research design was used, and convenience sampling implemented. A survey, using a questionnaire as measuring instrument, was conducted among critical care nurses in selected private hospitals in Gauteng. The response rate was 69%. Cronbach’s alpha indicated that the questionnaire was fairly reliable. The total average percentage achieved by the group of 111 respondents was 40,28%, which is 19.72% below the set competency indicator of 60%. Only 15 respondents achieved a percentage of or above the competency indicator. Results proved that the respondents required intensive training on the topic. A user-friendly education programme in the format of a PowerPoint presentation was developed to address knowledge deficiencies in critical care nurses’ interpretation of ventilator graphics.