Conference presentation
Do acute care nurses have competency in electrocardiogram interpretation? A systematic mixed studies review
Gold Coast Health and Partners Research Showcase (Gold Coast, 29/11/2021 - 30/11/2021)
2021
Metrics
28 Record Views
Abstract
Introduction:
Although nurses interpret electrocardiograms as routine practice, their competency remains unclear. This review aimed to identify and synthesise research evidence on nurses' competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in acute care settings.
Methods:
This mixed studies review involved a search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane in April 2021. Data were selected using the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. A data-based convergent synthesis design using qualitative content analyses was adopted. Quality appraisal was undertaken using validated tools accordingly.
Results:
Forty-three papers were included with the methodological quality from low to high. Most studies referred to competency‚ Äù in the context of knowledge about electrocardiogram interpretation, with skills and attitudes often not assessed. Nurses' knowledge levels in this important nursing role varied notably, partly due to a range of assessment tools being used. Several factors were found to influence nurses' competency in electrocardiogram interpretation across the included studies from individual, professional, and organisational perspectives.
Discussion:
Our review shows limited understanding of acute care nurses' competency in ECG interpretation, when knowledge, skills, and attitude are all considered. Nurses identified a lack of regular training and insufficient exposure in electrocardiogram interpretation. Hence, regular, standard training and education are recommended. Also, more research is needed to develop a standardised and comprehensive electrocardiogram interpretation tool, thereby allowing educators to safely assess nurses' competency.
Details
- Title
- Do acute care nurses have competency in electrocardiogram interpretation? A systematic mixed studies review
- Creators
- Lisa Chen - Southern Cross UniversityElicia Kunst - Southern Cross UniversityDima Nasrawi - Southern Cross UniversityDebbie Massey - Southern Cross UniversityAmy NB Johnston - Southern Cross UniversityKathryn Keller - Florida Atlantic UniversityFrances Fengzhi Lin - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Conference
- Gold Coast Health and Partners Research Showcase (Gold Coast, 29/11/2021 - 30/11/2021)
- Identifiers
- 991012979998802368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; Nursing
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation