Assessing Knowledge and Practice of Critical Care Checklists Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses

Abstract

The management of critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) demands a high level of specialized knowledge and consistent application of best practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes and safety. Checklists have emerged as valuable tools in complex healthcare environments, designed to standardize care processes, minimize errors, and enhance communication among multidisciplinary teams. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of ICU staff nurses concerning a widely recognized critical care checklist mnemonic. A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive study design was employed, involving a sample of 90 ICU staff nurses. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire, an observational checklist, and a demographic variable sheet. The findings indicated that while a significant majority of nurses demonstrated a high level of adherence to the checklist in their practice, there was considerable variability in their underlying theoretical knowledge. Specifically, a substantial proportion exhibited only fair knowledge, with a smaller segment demonstrating poor or good knowledge. A notable association was identified between knowledge levels and specific demographic characteristics, particularly educational qualification, suggesting that formal nursing education plays a role in foundational understanding. Conversely, practice levels did not show a significant association with any demographic variables, implying that practical application might be influenced by factors beyond those explored. These results underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions and continuous professional development programs to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and reinforce the systematic application of critical care checklists. Enhancing nurses' knowledge base is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the rationale behind these practices, ultimately contributing to improved patient safety and quality of care in critical care settings.