Nursing Research Articles

Risk factors for falls in older people with pre-frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFrailty is considered highly prevalent among the elderly, and falls are a severe adverse event that occurs at a significantly higher rate in frail elderly patients, leading to serious consequences. The pre-frailty stage represents a reversible transitional state between health and frailty, and targeted interventions for pre-frail older adults can effectively reduce the incidence of falls in this population. Existing studies have not definitely identified the risk factors for falls in pre-frail older adults. This paper explores the relevant risk factors for falls in pre-frail older adults. MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wan fang, and VIP databases were searched for studies published from inception to 2023, without language restrictions. Observational studies were included in this systematic review that analyzed risk factors for accidental falls in pre-frail older adults. The NOS scale was used to evaluate the quality of cohort studies and case-control studies, while the AHRQ scale was used to evaluate the quality of the cross-sectional study. We utilized odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) to describe the statistical indicators. OR and 95 % CI values were directly extracted and organized in Excel. In cases where OR and CI values were not directly available, we extracted β and p values, calculated Exp using functions, and subsequently derived OR and 95 % CI using formulas. Finally, data pertaining to each risk factor were incorporated into RevMan 5.4 software for statistical analysis and effect size synthesis. We performed tests for heterogeneity and evaluated publication bias. ResultsA total of 14,370 studies were initially identified, and 26 studies were included in the systematic review. Among these studies, 14 were of high quality, while the remaining 12 were of moderate quality. A total of 16 risk factors were identified as potential risk factors for falls in pre-frail older adults. Significant risk factors were peripheral neuropathy(OR = 3.18, 95 %CI:3.02–3.35), decreased gait speed(OR = 1.90, 95 %CI:1.60–2.27), decreased ability to perform activities of daily living(OR = 1.57, 95 % CI:1.42–1.75), grip strength decreases(OR = 1.53, 95 % CI:1.17–2.00), gender (female)(OR = 1.51, 95 % CI:1.39–1.64), pain(OR = 1.47, 95 %CI:1.41–1.54), history of falls(OR = 1.20, 95 %CI:1.13–1.28) and age(OR = 1.10, 95 %CI:1.07–1.14). ConclusionsThe occurrence of falls in pre-frail older adults is associated with multiple risk factors. These risk factors can provide clinical nursing staff with specific focal points for monitoring this population and devising targeted fall prevention measures, with the aim of reducing the incidence of falls in pre-frail older adults. RegistrationThe systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42023450670).

Effect of Lean System Program on Nursing Staff Performance for Eliminating Time Wasters at Tanta University Emergency Hospital

Effect of Lean System Program on Nursing Staff Performance for Eliminating Time Wasters at Tanta University Emergency Hospital

Mediating Role of Job Embeddedness on the Relation Between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Emotional Labor of Staff Nurses

Mediating Role of Job Embeddedness on the Relation Between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Emotional Labor of Staff Nurses

A Descriptive Study To Assess The Job Stress And Satisfaction, Among Operating Room Nurses Working At Multi Specilty Hospital Of Vellore, Tamil Nadu

We use the word "stress" when we feel that everything seems to have become too much - we are overloaded and wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures placed upon us. Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. More than 60% of nurses say they have suffered the side-effects of workrelated stress, such as physical or mental health problems in the past year. according to the findings from our latest annual survey on the state of nursing. “l am nearly on my knees with the level of work l have. l am beyond exhausted and have gone off with stress today”. Job satisfaction is defined as the affective feeling an employee has towards their job. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the job stress, and job satisfaction among the staff nurses working in the Operating Room of Multi-specialty Hospital Vellore in Tamil Nadu. All the nurses working in the OR who fulfilled the inclusion criteria was selected using total enumerative sampling technique. The data was collected by administering the self-administered questionnaire for job stress and the job satisfaction. Instrument: The job stress will be assessed by using the perceived stress scale which is a free standardized tool. The investigator developed a tool to assess the job satisfaction. The instrument had three parts. Part I Demographic data, Part II job satisfaction The investigator prepared the 5 point Likert scale under the headings of patient care. Interpersonal relationship, professional development. Personal development and the ward management which got 25 questions with the description of highly dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neither dissatisfied nor satisfied, satisfied, highly satisfied. and Part III was to assess the job stress. Perceived stress scale which has got 10 questions with the description of 0 to 4. 0=Never, 1= almost never, 2= sometimes, 3= fairly often, 4= very often, used to assess the Job stress Scoring: The sum of the score was added up and the total score was 125 for the job satisfaction < 25 was considered as Highly dissatisfied, 26-50 was Dissatisfied 51- 75 neither dissatisfied nor satisfied 76- 100 Satisfied and 101- 125 was Highly satisfied. To get a total score for the Job stress each item was added up. Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress. 0-13 was considered low stress. 14-26 was considered as moderate stress and 27-40 was considered high perceived stress.

Indicators of Head Nurses' Span of Control and Its Relation to Staff Nurses' Job Involvement

Indicators of Head Nurses' Span of Control and Its Relation to Staff Nurses' Job Involvement

Knowledge, attitudes, practices of cancer palliative care and their associated factors among nursing officers in Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama

Introduction: Nursing officers, having a good knowledge, favourable attitudes, and correct practices in cancer palliative care uplift patient’s quality of life. Objectives: To describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices of cancer palliative care and associated factors among the nursing officers in Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 252 participants with more than one year of work experience at Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. Stratified sampling technique was adopted to select the nursing officers from different wards. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Sum of points of each participant and the percentage was calculated. Depending on the mean score they were categorized into groups accordingly. Data were analysed initially by a descriptive analysis and then by Chi square test using SPSS software version 26. P<0.05 was the significance level. Results: Response rate was 70. %. The mean age of the study participants was 32.9 (SD=6.55) years. The majority (59.5%) had good knowledge, 53.2% had favourable attitudes and 54% engaged in correct practices. Mean knowledge score was 26.4 (SD=3.44). Nurses above 30 years of age, married and having more than 10 years’ experience had significant association with knowledge (p<0.05). Most of the participants who had good knowledge had correct practices (p<0.001). Most of the participants those who had favourable attitude had correct practices (p<0.001). Association of level of knowledge and attitude was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.109). Conclusion: The majority of the nurses had a good knowledge, favourable attitudes and were engaged in correct practices in palliative care. There is a significant association between the year of experience and the nurses’ knowledge on palliative care. Having a good knowledge and favourable attitude on palliative care were positive factors for correct practices.Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Cancer palliative care, Nurses

Hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model for assessing perceived significance of 23 potentially modifiable cancer risk factors among senior nursing officers

BackgroundPotentially modifiable cancer risk factors have been increasingly recognized among the Chinese population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the perceived significance of these risk factors among senior nursing officers, who play a crucial role in providing healthcare services. We also sought to determine senior nursing officers’ performance in reducing these risk factors.MethodsA questionnaire survey regarding 23 potentially modifiable cancer risk factors was conducted in November 2023 with 58 senior nursing officers at Taizhou Hospital in Zhejiang Province, China. The consistent fuzzy preference relation method and importance–performance analysis were used to determine the attribute weights and performance levels.ResultsThe senior nursing officers considered diabetes, ultraviolet radiation exposure, PM2.5 exposure, excess body weight, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and secondhand smoking significant. However, performance in reducing secondhand smoking, physical inactivity, excess body weight, PM2.5 exposure, and ultraviolet radiation exposure required improvement.ConclusionsThe proposed hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making model enhances our understanding of the perceived significance of 23 modifiable cancer risk factors and performance in reducing them, which could facilitate improvements in health education efforts.

Home-based nursing care for clients carrying multidrug-resistant organisms: a focus group study

Abstract Background The growing population of vulnerable clients receiving home-based nursing care, combined with the worldwide increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), poses a new burden on nursing staff. This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences, attitudes, perceptions, dilemmas in daily practice and needs of nursing staff providing home-based nursing care for clients carrying MDROs. Methods Seven focus group discussions with home-based nursing staff (N = 34) were performed in the Netherlands between April and July 2022, using a semi-structured, open-ended topic list based on the I-change model and seven domains synthesized by Flottorp et al. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Home-based nursing staff often considered infection prevention and control recommendations inconsistent, unclear or inapplicable in daily practice. Although participants acknowledged the importance of these precaution measures, their proportionality was sometimes questioned. Participants indicated to be influenced by perceptions, knowledge and behaviour of their colleagues and clients. In addition, they frequently experienced untimely, incomplete or inconspicuous information transfers about clients carrying MDROs. Concerns were expressed that clients were often insufficiently informed, debating the roles and responsibilities of involved healthcare professionals in providing and exchanging information. Finally, participants elaborated on the effect of the covid-19 pandemic and expressed the need for organisational support in providing education and sufficient resources regarding MDROs. Conclusions Insights of this study have aided in aligning upcoming MDRO guidelines for home-based nursing care in the Netherlands. Organisational support in expanding knowledge and providing sufficient resources is essential and clarity about roles and responsibilities of involved healthcare professionals regarding information transfer and informing patients is needed. Key messages • Expanding knowledge, sufficient resources and adequate information transfer about MDRO carriage are essential to ultimately prevent transmission and spread of MDROs. • The specific context of home-based nursing care for clients carrying MDROs should be acknowledged in MDRO guidelines.

Home-based nursing care: what do we know about multidrug-resistant organisms in this setting?

Abstract Background The burden and complexity of home-based nursing care have intensified due to earlier discharges from hospitals and patients living longer at home with increasing co-morbidities. This growing population of vulnerable patients, combined with the worldwide increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), poses a new burden on home-based nursing staff. Home-based nursing care differs significantly from hospitals and nursing homes, challenging implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. It is therefore important to gain insight into the attitudes, experiences and needs of home-based nursing staff. Also, to better understand the scope of MDRO carriage and transmission in this setting, including its challenges. Methods Cross-sectional studies were conducted in the Netherlands including a survey and focusgroup study among home-based nursing staff, supplemented by a report of cases of MDRO clusters. Results We have identified several factors adding to the complexity of responding to an MDRO outbreak with involvement of home-based nursing care. First, inapplicable recommendations in guidelines/protocols or from infection preventionists, often aimed at intramural care. Second, nursing staff questioned the proportionality of IPC measures, potentially influenced by behaviour of colleagues and patients. Third, inadequate information transfers about patients carrying MDROs. Fourth, uncertainty about the roles and responsibilities of involved healthcare professionals. Finally, the need for organisational support in providing education and sufficient resources, and clarity about financial aspects. Conclusions Insights from these studies have aided in aligning upcoming MDRO guidelines for home-based nursing care in the Netherlands, which factor in the above mentioned complexity. Furthermore, these findings can aid in future strategies to prevent or respond early in MDRO outbreaks with involvement of home-based nursing care.

Pager Explosion in Beirut: An Unprecedented Event.

On September 17, 2024, at 15:30 local time, thousands of pagers used by members of a specific party group detonated across Lebanon. As a result of the explosions, 2800 were wounded and 12 lost their lives. Almost two-thirds of the injuries were in the face, eyes, or hands. The Lebanese American University Medical Center received 38 injured and admitted 36 patients, 13 of them to the Intensive care unit. A total of 33 patients needed surgeries. All medical and nursing staff were deployed. The health care workers faced major challenges that night: the severity of the injuries and the unprecedented types of injuries with the same pattern, and the urgent need for ophthalmology and orthopedics within the hospital and across the country. Learning from the Pager Explosion, each hospital should perform assessments of their disaster response plan, develop trainings, and conduct regular exercises in preparation for future disasters.

Ready to act? Factors associated with nurses’ desire to work in Primary Health Care in Italy

Abstract Background The rapid increase in demand for primary healthcare (PHC) services after the pandemic requires reconsidering nursing staff planning and availability. The objectives of the study were to i) identify knowledge, attitudes, practices and work expectations of future nurses in primary care; ii) estimate the prevalence of nursing students who desire to be employed in PHC and Family and Community Health Nursing (FCHN) services after graduation. Methods A cross-sectional study is being conducted on a sample of nursing students enrolled in universities in the Lazio Region. A structured instrument was built based on the literature and national regulations and validated (Cronbach’s alpha=0.81). Results In this first phase, 163 nursing students were enrolled. The majority of the sample was female (N = 125, 76.7%), with a mean age of 22 (SD ± 5) years and were enrolled in the last year of degree program (N = 85, 52.1%). A total of 49 students (30%) reported adequate knowledge of PHC service reorganization policies and nursing practice in this setting. While 74% (N = 122) of the sample intended to undertake a PHC curricular internship during their degree program, only seven students (4%) participated in one. 52 individuals (30%) expressed their intention to be employed in PHCs after graduation, and 29 (17.8%) indicated their desire to work as FCHN practitioners. The main factors contributing to the undesirability of employment in PHC reported by students were: i) preferring the hospital settings (N = 53, 48%); ii) not having adequate skills to be employed in the PHC (N = 21, 19%); and iii) believing that the PHC does not offer attractive services for nursing practice (N = 14, 13%). Conclusions A multivariable analysis will be conducted to identify predictors of nursing students’ desire to work in PHCs after graduation. Preliminary results of the study showed that only one-third of nursing students indicated a desire to work in PHCs. Key messages • Only one-third of nursing students express a desire to work in PHC and in Family and Community Health Nursing (FCHN) services post-graduation. • Collaboration between the PHC workforce, academics, stakeholders, and policymakers is needed to create tailored initiatives that increase the attractiveness of PHC.

Worse cholecystectomy outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic: were staff shortages or a change in patient case-mix the culprit?

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the field of surgery, mostly through infectious risks, staff shortages, reduced hospital capacities, and changed patient pathways. Prompted by an increase in wound complications, we performed an in-depth analysis of an example surgical procedure. A consecutive cohort of 195 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy was studied retrospectively. Data of patients receiving cholecystectomy before, during, and after the peak of the pandemic were compared. The potential influence of patient characteristics, pandemic phase, and staffing level (surgeons and nurse assistants) was analyzed statistically. In the primary analyses, the composite measure of a 'textbook outcome' was examined, which was defined as no relevant complication, hospital stay < 5days, and no readmission. During the COVID-19 phase, acute biliary disease was more common than in the pre-COVID-19 phase (62% vs. 30%). In 35% of cases, no qualified operating room nurse was available. Intraoperative features and postoperative complication rates were increased (bile spillage in 46%, wound complications in 24%). A 59-year-old male admitted with acute cholecystitis during COVID-19 died of wound-related septic shock. Multivariate analysis confirmed the acuity of gallbladder inflammation (odds ratio 5.3) and old age (2.6) as risk factors for a non-textbook outcome. The absence of qualified nursing staff was clearly associated with a non-textbook outcome (odds ratio 3.3). The fact that laparoscopic cholecystectomy outcomes were worse during COVID-19 can be partly attributed to a change in patient case-mix, but the shortage of qualified nursing staff in the operating room also had a strong negative influence.

Leaders development program by 360 degree feedback: reflection on head nurses' leadership practices.

Leadership in nursing is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare and ensuring positive outcomes for patients, staff, and institutions. Many nurses in leadership positions lack formal training, which can compromise their effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a leadership development program utilizing 360-degree feedback on head nurses' leadership practices. A true-experimental design was employed in three healthcare institutions. The study involved 80 head nurses (40 intervention, 40 control), 240 staff nurses, and 29 supervisors. The intervention group participated in a six-week leadership development program using 360-degree feedback. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention using the Leadership Development and 360-Degree Feedback Knowledge Questionnaire and the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). The intervention group showed significant improvements in leadership knowledge and practices across all dimensions. Knowledge scores increased from 25.1 ± 8.8 to 93.0 ± 5.1 post-intervention, maintaining at 83.2 ± 7.1 at follow-up. Self-assessed leadership scores improved from 88.1 ± 6.0 to 97.5 ± 2.7, and 98.5 ± 2.0 at follow-up. Supervisor and staff assessments also showed substantial increases. Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed the strong positive impact of the intervention on leadership outcomes. The leadership development program using 360-degree feedback significantly enhanced head nurses' leadership knowledge and practices. The results suggest that such programs can improve leadership capabilities in healthcare settings, leading to better patient care and organizational performance. Future research should address group homogeneity and explore long-term impacts on patient outcomes.

Psychometric Quality of the Work Content Questionnaire Applied to Nursing Staff to Identify Job Stress

Objective: To demonstrate the reliability and construct validity of Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), which measures psychological demands, job control and social support, in nursing personnel. Theoretical Framework: In Mexico, the Federal Labor Law specifies that psychosocial risks must be kept at low or zero levels to prevent work-related stress in nursing staff. Method: The Job Content Questionnaire was applied to a sample of 181 nursing professionals from a population of 200 people. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was examined using the Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient, the construct validity of the questionnaire was identified through the fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis, using the maximum likelihood method. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed [synthesize the main results of the research]. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The Job Content Questionnaire presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha=.80) and construct validity in the sample; the structural equation model presented an adequate fit: GFI=.73, RMSEA=.066, NNFI= .93, CFI=.94, PNFI=.78. These findings affirm that the Job Content Questionnaire is valid and reliable to evaluate psychosocial factors among workers who perform nursing activities in Mexico. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the reliability and validity of the Job Content Questionnaire in nursing in Mexico. Its effectiveness is confirmed to evaluate psychological demands, work control and social support, critical aspects to mitigate stress and improve the quality of work life. The results can influence labor policies and institutional practices, promoting healthier work environments, reducing stress and improving the quality of care in the health sector, which benefits both workers and patients.

Nurses’ Views and Attitudes of the Performance Appraisal System Efficacy and Its Impact on Their Work Outcomes in a Tertiary Hospital

ABSTRACT Introduction Performance appraisal (PA) is essential for healthcare organizations. Highlighting the impact of the nursing PA system on nurses’ work outcomes has the potential to significantly improve the quality of patient care. Understanding and enhancing the performance appraisal system is key to achieving this goal. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the nursing PA system and its effect on nurses’ work outcomes. It also compared the perceptions of PA among staff nurses (SNs), charge nurses (CNs), and head nurses (HNs), providing valuable insights into the dynamics of the nursing PA system. Method A cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative design was adopted to assess the current nursing PA system. Results This study, which included 356 nurses, revealed significant differences in the perception of PA among nurses at all levels. The findings underscore the practical implications of the potential for more efficient use of PA to improve nurses’ performance. SNs and CNs showed significant gender-based differences in PA effectiveness (p = 0.006) and efficiency (p = 0.034). The participant’s age and years of nursing experience also had statistically significant effects on PA effectiveness (p = 0.006, p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion This study’s findings underscore the significant impact of inappropriate PA systems, inefficient instruments, and unskilled evaluators on organizational commitment, job satisfaction, maintaining a committed nursing workforce, and high-quality healthcare. The study also highlights the importance of effective performance appraisal systems in healthcare organizations. However, the study also emphasizes the crucial role of a mutual understanding between the appraiser and the appraisee. This understanding is a key factor in enhancing the efficacy of PA, thereby emphasizing its importance in the appraisal process.

Rainbow within and beyond: A qualitative study on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender staff nurses in the Philippine hospital settings.

An individual's sexual orientation plays a fundamental role in their self-identity, relationships, and health. Years have shown both progressive and regressive responses to the LGBT community's social acceptance, particularly observable in various areas. Yet existing literature overlooks the Filipino healthcare settings, particularly with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) staff nurses. Exploring their perspectives and experiences, whether challenges or successes, is crucial for gaining insights into occupational matters, workplace dynamics, and policy development. The research aimed to explore the lived experiences of LGBT staff nurses in the hospital settings. Husserl's Transcendental Phenomenology research design was utilized in this study. Participants included LGBT staff nurses with at least a year of experience at any hospital department. Individualized unstructured interviews were conducted with three participants interviewed face-to-face and five through online video conferencing platforms from March to April 2024. All interviews were transcribed, coded, themed, and analyzed using Colaizzi's approach. Data saturation was achieved with eight participants. Seven themes emerged, including: Recognizing Gender Stereotypes, Optimizing Nursing Care, Yearning for Acceptance, Generating Meaningful Relationships, Battling Heteronormative Gender Norms, Inspiring Potentials beyond Gender and Profession, and Valuing the Progress of LGBT Inclusivity. The study revealed that LGBT staff nurses had multifaceted experiences with patients, colleagues, and superiors in the hospital settings as their workplace. They faced gender stereotyping and battled against limits on expression but fought to defend their authentic identities. They built relationships with colleagues and strived to be defined beyond societal perceptions. As they yearn for amplified LGBT acceptance in the workplace and society, they expressed gratitude for progress towards acceptance of the LGBT community.

Ambidextrous Leadership and its Relation to Innovative Work Behavior among Staff Nurses

Ambidextrous Leadership and its Relation to Innovative Work Behavior among Staff Nurses

Culture of safety in an adult and paediatric emergency department before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe WHO recognises patient safety as a serious public health problem. The COVID-19 pandemic affected adult EDs (AEDs) and paediatric EDs (PEDs) differently. We compared the culture of safety in...

Assessment of Nursing Shortage and Calculation Methods in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Government Hospitals.

Background This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence of nursing staff shortages in government hospitals in Saudi Arabia, investigate the methods used to assess these shortages, and examine the association between the demographic variables of nursing directors and their ability to calculate staffing shortages. Methods A survey was conducted among current and past nursing directors in government hospitals across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that covered demographic information, work-related characteristics, and perceptions of nursing staffing plan estimation methods. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression, were performed to analyze the data. Results A total of 279 nursing directors participated in the study, with the majority being female (156, 55.9%) and Saudi nationals (220, 78.9%). Most participants held a Bachelor of Nursing degree (161 participants, 57.7%) and had over 10 years of professional nursing experience (68.4%). Most respondents recognized a shortage of nursing staff in their hospitals (222, 79.6%), with 192 participants (68.8%) reporting fewer than 278 nurses in their facilities. Various methods were used to estimate nursing staffing plans, with the professional judgment approach being the most preferred answer by 128 participants (45.9%). Memos, training courses, and internet browsing were the primary sources of information on calculation methods. While no significant association was found between nursing staff shortages and estimation methods, there was a significant association between nursing education level and the approach used for estimation. Conclusion Standardized, evidence-based approaches to workforce planning are crucial for effectively addressing nursing staff shortages in Saudi Arabian government hospitals. Education and training initiatives for nursing leaders are essential to ensure accurate estimation of staffing needs and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Prevention of Central Venous Catheter Removal-Associated Air Embolism: A Survey of Nonintensive Care Unit Medical and Nursing Staff.

Air embolism is a potentially serious complication of central venous catheter (CVC) use. While CVC insertion is usually performed by a trained specialist, extraction is frequently the responsibility of junior staff members. This complication can be easily prevented by following several simple measures described in common guidelines. We conducted a single-center survey to assess knowledge and practices concerning the prevention of air embolism associated with CVC removal among healthcare workers from nonintensive care units. The correct answers to the questionnaire were determined according to best-practice recommendations for CVC removal. Based on a comparison of the total sum of correct answers between the categories of groups, factors that predicted the level of knowledge were identified using an independent sample t test. Of the 156 respondents, one-third were unfamiliar with air embolism as a complication of CVC extraction. Almost 80% were unaware of the existence of a CVC removal protocol. Almost half of respondents did not follow guidelines regarding patient position when removing a CVC, 72% did not ask the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver during the procedure, and 54% did not ask the patient to remain supine after the procedure. Adherence to the protocol was correlated with professional experience, with a lower level among those with experience of less than 1 year and, particularly, among interns. Our survey revealed inappropriately low awareness of CVC removal-associated air embolism risk and low familiarity with CVC removal best-practice recommendations among nonintensive care unit healthcare workers. Staff members with experience of less than 1 year, including interns, were found to have a lower level of knowledge. These findings emphasize the importance of development and distribution an internal hospital protocol and the integration of educational intervention into a preliminary internship program.