Exploring Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours Related to Eye Care in the Intensive Care Unit: An International Survey
Exploring Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours Related to Eye Care in the Intensive Care Unit: An International Survey
One of the most recent guidelines on eye care in intensive care patients has been published by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the Intensive Care Society. However, there are reported deficiencies in the widespread use of these guidelines in practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of nurses working in intensive care units regarding evidence-based approaches to eye care.
Comparative studies indicate that insufficient knowledge about eye care among intensive care unit nurses is common. However, knowledge does not necessarily translate into adherence to clinical practice guidelines, as acceptable knowledge levels may still be associated with inadequate clinical practice. Studies have reported that nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to eye care in ICUs are inadequate or only moderate in many settings. One study found that only 0.7% of nurses had sufficient knowledge about eye care, while approximately 25.7% demonstrated adequate clinical practice.19 These findings highlight the need for targeted educational programmes addressing gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Interventional studies further show that guideline-based education can markedly improve nurses' knowledge, reducing inadequate knowledge from 65% before training to 5.4% after education. Regular and repeated educational interventions are therefore recommended to sustain safe eye care practices.
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