Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitude: Care of Patients Of Mechanical Ventilators

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge and attitude of student nurses about mechanical ventilators (MV) and analyze the impact of a one-week educational program. Methods: Fifty student nurses were included in a one-week training program about MV’s fundamental favorable knowledge and attitude in January 2021 at MG nursing Institute, Tamil Nadu, India. Student nurses in critical nursing courses were assessed before an education program. A pre-validated survey questionnaire comprised of knowledge and attitude items was adopted to collect data before and after the training program (post-course assessment). The program adopted a lesson plan and simulation procedures for learning, and it took seven days to complete. Findings: According to the study’s findings, 35 (70%) participants (student nurses) were females, and 15 (30%) were males. The pre-test knowledge and attitude were inadequate 74% and 12.64 (25%), respectively. In the post-test, it increased to adequate with 44% and 64%. The mean knowledge score pre-test MV assessment was 8.58 (17%), and the posttest was 19.18 (38%). While their attitude on the pre-test was 12.64 (25%), their post-test score was 32.38 (64%). There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post MV knowledge and attitude among student nurses. Novelty: Students’ mean post-knowledge and attitude scores were higher than the pre-test at p<0.05. The findings indicate that the computer-assisted teaching program with simulation was significantly effective in improving the knowledge and attitude of student nurses on the care of mechanical ventilator patients. The study recommended using simulation techniques in the care of mechanical ventilator patients to enhance the knowledge and attitude of nurses and nursing students. Keywords: Attitude; ComputerAssisted Teaching Program; Simulation; Knowledge; Mechanical Ventilator; Patient Care; Student Nurses