Abstract
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive technology that estimates regional oxygen saturation. Literature demonstrates that NIRS can provide valuable data for clinical staff. However, little research has addressed the nursing care and management of NIRS in the critical care environment. To assess nurses' perception around the use of NIRS and current NIRS practice within paediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICUs). A 53-item cross-sectional electronic survey was developed to assess indications for NIRS, critical value thresholds and interventions, barriers to use, policies and procedures, and nursing perceptions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and aggregate data. Among the 28 responding sites (63.6% response rate), usage of NIRS was variable and patient-dependent. Most nurses reported using NIRS in patients with unstable physiology such as post-operative single ventricle (n=25, 89.3%) and concern for shock (n=21, 75.0%). Critically low cerebral values varied among respondents from less than 40 (n=3, 10.7%) to less than 60 (n=4, 14.3%), with lower critical values permitted for single ventricle physiology: less than 40 (n=8, 28.6%) to less than 50 (n=6, 21.4%). Reported barriers to using NIRS included skin breakdown (n=9, 32.1%), lack of consistency in decision-making among physicians (n=13, 46.4%), and not using NIRS data when developing a plan of care (n=11, 39.3%). Most (n=24, 85.7%) nurses reported that NIRS provided valuable information and was perceived to be beneficial for patients. NIRS monitoring is a common technology in the care of complex congenital heart disease patients. Most nurses valued this technology, but inconsistencies and practicalities around its use in guiding patient management were found to be problematic. NIRS is commonly used in the PCICU and although nurses perceived NIRS to be useful for their practice, the variability in the interpretation of values and inconsistent protocols and decision-making by physicians was challenging.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.