What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess and compare the knowledge levels of nurses regarding external ventricular drain care in different ICU settings.

March 25, 2026Open Access

Comparing the Level of Knowledge on External Ventricular Drain Care: A National Study of Neurosurgical and General ICU Nurses

Key Result

Nurses with specialized neurosurgical training demonstrate superior knowledge of external ventricular drain care compared to general ICU nurses.

Key Points

To assess and compare the knowledge levels of nurses regarding external ventricular drain care in different ICU settings.
National survey of neurosurgical and general ICU nurses
Assessment of knowledge on external ventricular drain care practices
Comparison of responses between specialized and general nursing units
Nurses with neurosurgical training demonstrated higher knowledge levels
General ICU nurses showed gaps in knowledge related to external ventricular drain care
Findings indicate a need for specialized training programs for all nurses involved in this care area.

Structured PICO

Does specialised experience and training improve the level of knowledge on External Ventricular Drain care among ICU nurses?

Population

Neurosurgical and General ICU Nurses

Intervention

Specialised neurosurgical experience and training

Comparator

General ICU experience and training

Outcome

Level of knowledge on External Ventricular Drain Care

Nurses with specialised experience and training are better equipped to care for patients requiring specialised treatments like external ventricular drains.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

This study provides additional evidence that patients receiving specialised treatments or having unique diseases or injuries should receive care from nurses with specialised experience and training.