The Assessment of Knowledge Among Nurses Regarding Electrocardiogram Interpretation

Background: Electrocardiogram is a non-invasive approach for evaluating electrical and muscular activity of the heart. It is considered a tool to diagnose heart electrical abnormalities, thus providing a framework to cardiologist for a therapeutic approach. Knowledge of electrocardiogram interpretation is necessary for all health care workers, particularly doctors and nurses. Aim: The goal of the study is to assess the level of knowledge among nurses regarding electrocardiogram interpretation. Method: A descriptive study with random sampling technique were utilized. Two questionnaire; comprising sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and knowledge specific questions on electrocardiogram interpretation was used. Results: The data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 21. As from study sociodemographic portion, total study participants were 100, out of which majority of the participants (86) had female. 45 of the study participants had 3 years’ experience while 27 had more than 3 years’ experience. Department specific rotation, medical emergency (21), surgical ward (18), general ward (18), surgical emergency (16), ICU (9), Cardiac ICU (8) and CCU (10). Conclusion: The present study concluded that majority of students had poor level of knowledge regarding electrocardiogram interpretation. Knowledge about electrocardiogram rhythm characteristic for specific conduction abnormalities of the heart was low, however majority of the subject had acceptable level of knowledge regarding normal electrocardiogram rhythm. The study emphasized on conduction of proper training courses and hands on practice on electrocardiogram interpretation to improve knowledge level of registered nurses.