Barriers of Nurses’ about ‘Z-Track Method’ Which is Used in Intramuskuler Injections Applications

Aim: This research was to determine the opinions of nurses regarding the Z-track method of intramuscular injection and the factors preventing its use. This is a qualitative research using a phenomenological approach. Method: The sample consisted of 38 nurses who worked for a minimum of one year in a university hospital. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth individual face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis and coded using the NVIVO 11 software. Findings: As a result of the content analysis, seven themes and nine subthemes emerged: (a) opinions about personal experiences: method of application, positive personal experiences, and negative personal experiences; (b) factors affecting usage: positive/encouraging factors and negative/discouraging factors; (c) opinions about colleagues; (d) frequency of application; (e) diseases for which the Z-track method is applied; (f) drugs given by the Z-track method; and (g) suggestions for dissemination: suggestions for training, suggestions for patients, suggestions for institutions and suggestions for healthcare professionals. Conclussion: Obstacles against the use of the Z-track method mostly result from lack of training and role models. However, it has been determined that there is a need for regulations regarding the determination, development and dissemination of standards for the application of the Z-track method.