Document Type
Article
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa
Abstract
Background: Many low- and middle-income countries lack resources for well-functioning emergency care systems. Emer- gency nurses interact with injured and critically ill patients as the first contact in many health care settings. However, insuffi- cient training limits nurses from providing ideal emergency care. The purpose of this research was to highlight educational needs specific to nurses working in 2 emergency departments in Nairobi, Kenya.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving emer- gency units of 2 of the largest referral and teaching hospitals (Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, and Kenyatta National Hospital) in Nairobi, Kenya, was conducted. Data were collected by using an adapted structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statis- tics. The skills and competencies of the participants were assessed. In addition, the educational gaps and needs of the participants around emergency care such as trauma, cardiovas- cular diseases, and respiratory and neurological illnesses were described. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages.
Results: The questionnaire response rate was 63.6% (n ¼ 84). Most of the respondents held associate degrees in nursing (72.6%), whereas 19% had a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Most respondents (84.5%) perceived themselves as being highly competent in basic skills such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and assessment of body systems. Less than half of the respondents (48.8%) perceived themselves as being highly competent in intermediate skills such as assisting with endotracheal intubation. In advanced competencies, such as analyzing electrocardiograms and administering thrombolytic medications, only 16.7% perceived themselves as highly competent.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest there is a knowledge gap and educational needs among emergency nurses in Nairobi, Kenya. It identified injuries/trauma; cardio- vascular, respiratory, and neurological disease; and other emer- gencies as topics of focus areas with a high need. To address these knowledge and skills needs, a future specialty training in emergency nursing is recommended and this could be achieved through continuing professional development and short courses or postgraduate-level training.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Journal of Emergency Nursing
Recommended Citation
Ndung’u, A.,
Ndirangu, E.,
Sarki, A.,
Isiaho, L.
(2022). A Cross-sectional Study of Self-Perceived Educational Needs of Emergency Nurses in Two Tertiary Hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 48(4), 467-476.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_sonam/426
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