Eye care in mechanically ventilated critically ill adults-nursing practice analysis

Abstract

Introduction. Eye care is among basic nursing interventions in critically ill patients, but often neglected due to an ongoing focus on life threatening conditions in this group of patients. At the time being, there are no national guidelines for eye care in critically ill patients in Serbia. Aim of the study was to evident nurses? knowledge, attitudes and everyday clinical practice toward eye care in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Material and Methods. The study was prospective, observative and cross sectional. Nurses working in intensive care units were interviewed. Study instrument was self administered questionnaire - ?Eye care clinical competence in ICU inventory - ECC?. This questionnaire showed good reliability with Cronbah Alfa 0.83. Descriptive and inferental statistical analysis was conducted in data analysis, with statistical significance of p<0.05. Results. Total average score of knowledge, attitude and everyday practice test point out that further improvement in the quality of eye care is needed in mechanically ventilated patients. There is a strong positive correlation between attitudes and practices in eye care - the more positive attitudes lead to more quality practices. Conclusion. According to our study results, nurses generally think that eye care in mechanically ventilated patient is important, but a general awareness about practices of care and prevention of iatrogenic eye conditions could be improved.nema