Nurses’ knowledge, risk assessment, and self-efficacy regarding venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Objectives: To compare nurses’ self-perceived and objective knowledge of venous thromboembolism, and to identify their risk assessment practices and perceived barriers, and self-efficacy in delivering care to prevent venous thromboembolism. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study including bedside nurses working in adult units at a teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo. Nurses answered a questionnaire on self-perceived and objective knowledge, risk assessment, self-efficacy, and barriers to venous thromboembolism risk assessment, which was developed and refined by nurses and physicians with academic and clinical expertise. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (absolute and relative frequencies). Results: Out of 81 nurses, 53.3% perceived their own knowledge of venous thromboembolism risk assessment as good, however, only an average of 33.1% of nurses answered objective questions about the disease correctly; and 44.4% performed risk assessment for only a few patients. The most common barrier for risk assessment was the lack of protocol (65.4%), followed by the lack of time (29.6%). Regarding self-efficacy, only 13% to 24.3% were sure most of the time that they could prevent venous thromboembolism and educate patients for prevention. Conclusion: A gap between self-perceived and objective knowledge of venous thromboembolism was identified, and risk assessment was considered insufficient. Nurses had low risk assessment self-efficacy. The lack of a protocol is perceived as a significant barrier for assessment. These results may support individual planning of permanent education focusing on disease prevention.