نبذة مختصرة : Background: Eyecare forms a major part of the care provided to all patients in ICUs. Critical care nurses limited knowledge about anatomy and physiology of eyes and ocular manifestations in critically ill patients can delay the identification and delivery of proper eyecare. Methods: A hospital based descriptive study among 74 ICU nursing staff was conducted using a well-structured questionnaire. Basic demographic data including age, gender, education, experience in ICU, type of ICU and previous eye training were collected. Questionnaire had 3 parts-knowledge, attitude and practice with 7 MCQs in each. Knowledge assessment was on different ocular signs in patients, their risk factors and management with 2 or more correct responses and a score of 3, 2, 1 or 0 was given. Attitude assessment was regarding the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention of eye diseases. Positive response was given score1, negative response 0. Practice assessment was based on methods and techniques of eyecare followed in ICU. Results: 54% had 1-5 years experience in ICU. 20.3% were from NSICU. 78% had average knowledge. 86.8% answered the question on high risk for exposure keratopathy correctly. 50% showed good attitude, maximum positive attitude was for the question on the effect of eye care on preventing eye disorders. No correlation was found between attitude and knowledge score. Average practice pattern was shown by 54%. Practice patterns followed included assessment of lid closure in their last duty by 66.2%, eyelid closure assessed hourly by 59.5%, eyedrops instilled 3 hourly and 6 hourly by 36.5% and method of cleaning eyes using distilled water by 41.9%. 50% of nurses cleaned the eyes hourly. 60% staffs did taping for incomplete eyelid closure and 61% followed fixed eyecare protocol. Conclusions: ICU nurses level of knowledge concerning eye care of mechanically ventilated develop a fixed protocol for eyecare in ICU which will help in systematic management.
Processing Request
No Comments.