ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 3, 2025
Exploring the Effect of Clinical Trial Capacity-Building Activities on Nurses’ Knowledge at A New Specialized Cancer Center in Oman
Aida Malik Al Kindy, Dr. Huda Shinoon Al Awaisi
Page no 1-7 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2025.v08i01.001
Introduction: Clinical trials are essential in the advancement of global scientific knowledge. The role of nurses at SQCCCRC-UMC has become more significant because of their direct role in caring for clinical trial participants. This necessitated building their capacity through training to care for trial participants as per the International Council of Harmonization- Good Clinical Practice (ICH- GCP). Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of a capacity-building initiative that includes conducting Clinical Trial Workshops (CTW) and getting nurses certified in online ICH-GCP. Method: 21 CTW were conducted. Pretest and posttest scores to check knowledge were collected from 2022 to 2024 and analyzed using paired t-tests to compare averages. Nurses were also asked to submit ICH-GCP certification to the clinical trials department (CTD) for record keeping. Results: CTW had a total of 171 participants composing of 96% of nurses (n=165). Those nurses accounted for 50.6% of the total nursing workforce (n=326). 88.5% (n=146) of those nurses completed both the pretest and posttest. The mean posttest score (87.2%) was compared with the mean pretest score (68.5%) showing an average increase of 19 %, which indicated statistical significance. (CI=95%, t=0.05). 86 nurses have completed ICH-GCP certification during the same period. (26.4 % of all nurses, n=326). Conclusion: The capacity building approach significantly improved nurses’ knowledge about clinical trials which can potentially aid in caring for patients in clinical trials. Additional research is needed to assess the long-term impact of this approach on nurses’ attitude in caring for those patients.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 24, 2025
Evaluation of Ibri Hospital Nurses' Knowledge about Enteral Feeding Intolerance Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Possibility of Oral Medication Administration
Manar Khalfan AlShukaili
Page no 8-19 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2025.v08i01.002
Background: Enteral feeding intolerance (EFI) is a critical concern in critically ill patients, associated with complications like vomiting, elevated gastric residual volumes (GRV), and delayed gastric emptying. Despite its prevalence, EFI lacks a universally accepted definition and standardized management protocols, leading to inconsistent practices among healthcare providers. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge at Ibri Hospital regarding EFI, including its definition, causes, symptoms, and the feasibility of oral medication administration during intolerance episodes. Evidence-based recommendations were proposed to improve enteral feeding practices. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, involving 170 nurses from inpatient departments at Ibri Hospital. Data were collected via a validated online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Key knowledge areas assessed included EFI indicators, GRV thresholds, and clinical management practices. Convenience sampling was employed. Results: The study revealed variability in nurses’ understanding of EFI indicators and GRV thresholds. Vomiting was the most recognized EFI indicator, though only 62% identified it correctly. GRV threshold knowledge varied, with 61% selecting context-dependent measurements. Pediatric ward nurses demonstrated the highest knowledge, while operating theater staff scored the lowest. Training had minimal impact, except for improved recognition of vomiting as an indicator (p = 0.025). Nurses favoring early feeding initiation and timely restarting showed higher knowledge scores. Conclusions: Significant knowledge gaps and inconsistencies in EFI practices were identified. Recommendations include developing evidence-based EFI protocols, regular interdisciplinary training, and promoting collaborative decision-making. Future research should validate findings and assess the impact of standardized EFI protocols on patient outcomes.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 27, 2025
Enhancing Patient Safety: Assessing ICU Nurses' Knowledge and Compliance in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention at King Fahad General Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Falak Abdul-Jabbar Barnawi, Yasmin Barnawi, Hanan Al-Modallal
Page no 20-30 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2025.v08i01.003
Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Defined as a nosocomial pneumonia that occurs more than 48 hours after mechanical ventilation initiation, VAP poses significant clinical challenges. While awareness of evidence-based practices is crucial, a gap often exists between knowledge and actual practice among nursing staff. Enhanced adherence to VAP prevention protocols has been linked to reduced incidence rates. Purpose: This study aims to assess the level of nurses’ knowledge and compliance regarding the prevention of VAP in the intensive care unit of King Fahad General Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Method: A descriptive research design was employed, involving 120 ICU nurses selected through convenience non-probability sampling. Result: A total of 96 participants were recruited in this study. The level of knowledge about VAP prevention among ICU nurses was almost good as there were about 57.3% (n=55) of the nurse participants had a good and adequate information. There was significant statistical difference in the mean knowledge score based on the academic qualification but, there was no statistical difference in mean of compliance based on academic qualification. Conclusion: Insufficient nursing knowledge and compliance about VAP assessment and prevention is a serious safety concern in all healthcare settings. The study highlighted that ICU nurses showed (good) moderate knowledge towards VAP prevention.