Effect of Partial-Task Trainer on Ward Nurses’ Evidence-Based Suctioning Knowledge and Skills: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Suctioning is an essential yet invasive procedure to ensure airway patency in patients with artificial airways. Improper suctioning can cause severe complications. While intensive care nurses are well-studied, ward nurses managing such patients are underexplored. Aims: This study evaluated ward nurses’ knowledge and skills in endotracheal suctioning and assessed the impact of structured education on their performance using a partial-task trainer. Setting and Design: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 45 ward nurses from surgical and medical departments in a university hospital. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a Descriptive Characteristics Form, Suctioning Knowledge Questionnaire, and Suctioning Skills Evaluation Form. Nurses attended a four-hour training session, including theoretical and practical components, followed by post-training assessments. A paired-samples t -test was conducted to assess the differences in knowledge and skills before and after the education and practical skill sessions. Inter-rater agreement was measured using inter-item correlation and intra-class correlation. Results: Nurses’ knowledge and skills improved significantly after training. Self-assessed skills scores decreased post-training, indicating greater self-awareness. Post-training, knowledge improved in oxygenation, catheter size selection, positioning, and saline use. Skills showed significant improvement in monitoring hemodynamics, informing patients, catheter withdrawal, hyperoxygenation, and documentation. Inter-rater reliability was high, as measured by inter-item correlation and intra-class correlation. Conclusion: Structured education effectively enhances ward nurses’ knowledge and skills in suctioning, improving critical practices like oxygenation and hemodynamic monitoring. The decline in self-assessment scores highlights increased critical evaluation of practices. Regular training is crucial for maintaining competency, ensuring patient safety, and minimizing complications.