Emergency nurses : knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing decompression illness

Abstract

This dissertation analyzed the knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing decompression illness (DCI) in Divers among Emergency nurses. The aims of the study were as follows:

1. Knowledge in the identification and management of decompression illness 2. Confidence in the identification and management of decompression illness

A literature review was carried out to explore existing studies and protocols and a possible tool that could be implemented in this study. This led to the conclusion that literature was relatively scarce. A quantitative approach was implemented, and a tool for assessing emergency nurses was created to assess knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing decompression illness. The target population included 147 potential participants from four institutions, namely Mater Dei Hospital Accident and Emergency, Gozo General Hospital Accident and Emergency, Immediate Care Unit St James Hospital Zejtun and Immediate Care Unit St James Hospital Sliema. The response rate for this study was that of 17 participants. The Intervention included using a tool that had to be created from scratch alongside a specialist in the field. Following this tool's validity and reliability test, the distribution to the four different institutions was done through an intermediary to avoid conflict of interest or bias. The tool consisted of various sections, including four case scenarios and a self-assessment section. During the discussion, participants' responses from the case scenarios were compared to the self-assessment responses to analyse confidence levels in identifying and managing decompression illness using a percentage difference calculator. The Outcome of the study was rather displeasing. The response rate was low, and the resulting margin of error was 21.98%. Nurses showed they are more knowledgeable in managing decompression illness than identifying the condition. Moreover, the findings showed that nurses felt more confident than they were. The findings highlighted the need for further research. One recommendation for practice would be to establish a protocol locally for Emergency Nurses to abide by when encountering a decompression illness scenario.