Evaluation of Nurses’ Knowledge regarding Correct Electrocardiographic Procedures in Medical Wards of Thi-Qar Governorate Hospitals

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of nurses working in the medical wards of Thi-Qar Governorate hospitals regarding correct electrocardiographic procedures and to identify the relationship between their knowledge and demographic variables.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the multiple government hospitals in the Thi-Qar, southern Iraqfrom February 2022 and August 2023.

Methods: The study conducted with 60 nurses in Thi-Qar Governorate hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, ECG interpretation, and correct lead placement. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for the data analysis.

Results: Most nurses demonstrated insufficient knowledge of ECG procedures. Specifically, 46.7% of the participants had very low knowledge levels, and 53.3% had low knowledge levels. No participant achieved moderate or high levels of knowledge about the disease. Statistically significant associations were found between nurses’ knowledge and both educational attainment (p= 0.000) and years of experience in the medical wards (p= 0.002).

Conclusion:This study demonstrates that the degree of nursing practice for performing ECGs in Thi-Qar hospitals is appropriate. Not to mention the fact that such a gap in knowledge is potentially dangerous: it is putting patients at risk.