Paper: Nursing and Technology: Knowledge in Use of Technological Equipment in Clinical Practice (19th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice)

Monday, 7 July 2008: 3:55 PM

Ruth Balaban, RN, MA , Nursing Division, Sheba Medical Center, Ram Gan, Israel

Hana Kerzman, RN, PhD , Nursing Division, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

Orly Toren, RN, PhD , Nursing division, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

Nitza Peer, RN, MA , Neonatal Intensive Care Department, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel

Learning Objective 1: paper is to evaluate the current extent of nurses' knowledge of frequently used technology and to describe on job training patterns.

Learning Objective 2: evaluate improvement in nursing knowledge and skills that are a mandate for setting up professional training courses as the nurse's educational needs identified.

As in most of the Western world, in Israel more patients suffering from more severe illnesses and co-morbidity are hospitalized in acute settings. In addition the amount of technological equipment that nurses are frequently required to use in both acute and chronic setting is increasing rapidly. Research literature suggests that nurses do not take full advantage of the technological options that this equipment offers. The most common explanation for this phenomenon is a lack of knowledge among the nursing staff. However, it is important to emphasize that adequate technology use is critical for ensuring safe and efficient nursing care.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current extent of nurses' knowledge of frequently used technology and to describe on job training patterns.

The research subjects included registered nurses from both acute and chronic setting, at a large magnet hospital.

Data was collected using a structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, professional background (seniority, workplace, and part/full time employment). The second part included knowledge and skills utilizing six frequently used technologies: pulse oximetery, syringe and infusion pump, Bi-PAP (positive airway pressure), cardiac monitor and respiratory ventilator.

The results of a pilot study indicate that 20% of the nursing staff report a need for additional professional training in all frequently used technologies, especially with regard to issues related to advance operating of monitor parameters, such as defining the alarm range, memory option, and also identifying possible technical problems and the use of the backup battery.

In conclusion, ongoing changes in patient case complexity and the evolution of medical technologies require nursing staff knowledge and skill assessment to evaluate improvement in nursing knowledge and skills that are a mandate for setting up professional training courses as the nurse's educational needs identified.

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