Browsing by Author "Maharaj, Suvarna"

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    A survey to determine self-reported confidence amongst emergency centre nurses in initiating bls across emergency centres in Cape Town
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12) Maharaj, Suvarna; Lamprecht, Hein; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Family and Emergency Medicine. Emergency Medicine.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: In any Emergency Centre (EC), the response to a cardiac arrest is regarded as the most time critical intervention. The first responders are usually EC nurses who need to initiate basic life support (BLS) without the presence of a doctor. EC nurses should (by the nature of their environment) be the most confident and competent providing this essential skill compared to other nursing personnel. This study aimed to determine how confident Cape Town EC nurses are, to initiate BLS and which factors influenced their performance. Methodology: A CROSS-SECTIONAL survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire amongst 300 nurses, working in emergency centres, in both public (low resourced) and private (high resourced) hospitals, in Cape Town. Results: 279 out of 300 questionnaires were completed. Questions, using a Lickertscale, were asked regarding self-assessed confidence in recognising a cardiac arrest, managing an airway and initiating cardio respiratory resuscitation (CPR). A score of 8 and above, out of 10, was assessed as “very confident”. A total of 61% respondents scored 8 and above regarding recognising a cardiac arrest. For managing an airway, 59% scored 8 and above whilst 67% scored 8 and above regarding the initiation of CPR. A comparison of self-confidence between private versus public hospital nurses was also evaluated. Conclusion: Emergency Centre nurses are not confident to initiate BLS, especially in public hospitals within the Cape Town metropole. Further research is needed to objectively evaluate EC nursing’s BLS skills and whether regular BLS training will improve their future confidence.