Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices Regarding the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Thrombosis in pediatric patients is a growing concern in pediatrics. Venous Thromboembolism, including both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, has become an increasingly recognized condition, particularly among hospitalized children. Aim: To assess nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding the prevention of venous thromboembolism in pediatric intensive care units. Methods: A descriptive research design was utilized for the conduction of this study. Setting: This study was conducted at pediatric intensive care units (coronary, medical, and surgical) at El-Demerdash children's hospital and Abu El-Reesh Japanese children's hospital. Sample: A convenience sample composed of 156 pediatric nurses. Tools: Two tools were used as follows. 1st tool: An Interview Questionnaire Sheet; a) demographic characteristics of pediatric nurses, b) medical data of hospitalized pediatric patients, and c) Knowledge questionnaire sheet to assess nurses' knowledge. 2nd tool: Observational checklist to evaluate nurses’ practices. Results: The results illustrated that, less than half of the studied nurses had poor knowledge. In addition, less than two-thirds of the studied nurses had incompetent practices regarding the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Moreover, there was a moderate positive correlation between the studied nurses’ total level of knowledge and practices. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, less than half of the studied nurses had poor knowledge, and less than two-thirds of the studied nurses had incompetent practices regarding the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Recommendations: Designing an educational program and in-service sessions for nurses on preventive measures for venous thromboembolism, based on evidence-based guidelines, to improve their knowledge and practice in this specialized area