Reviewing the effects of an educational program about sepsis care on knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses in intensive care units

Abstract

• Background: The most common complication of hospitalization in intensive care units (ICUs) is infections caused by health care. Although sepsis results in a small percentage of infections, it has a high mortality rate. Intensive care nurses play a critical role in the prevention, early detection, and beginning of therapeutic interventions in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to review the effects of an educational program on knowledge, attitude, and practice of ICU nurses in Shariati Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.
• Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study on 64 nurses with at least one year of experience in ICU. The subjects were randomly selected and divided into test and control groups. Scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice of the participants were reviewed through a researcher-made questionnaire before and immediately and three weeks after a one-day workshop.
• Findings: Compared to baseline, there were significant increases in mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice in the test group immediately and three weeks after the education. Mean scores of knowledge in the test group before and immediately and 3 weeks after the intervention were 64.5, 84.9 and 85.2, respectively. The corresponding values for attitude were 73, 79.7, and 83.3. Mean scores of practice were 81.8, 90.5, and 91.3 before and immediately and 3 months after the intervention, respectively. In the control group, mean scores of knowledge before and immediately and 3 weeks after the educational course (which they did not attend) was 63.7, 63.9, and 63.5, respectively. Mean scores of attitude were respectively 72.8, 73.3, and 73.2 at the mentioned intervals. The corresponding values for practice were 82.1, 82.9, and 82.7.
• Conclusions: Training significantly improved levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice of ICU nurses in sepsis care. Therefore, compiling and organizing seminars and continuous basic educational workshops for sepsis care are recommended for health caregivers.
• Key words: Continuing education, sepsis, knowledge, attitude, practice