An Evaluation of the Influence of Nurses’ Knowledge of ECG Interpretation on Early Cardiac Diagnosis in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State
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Background of the Study
Electrocardiography (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool for detecting cardiac abnormalities, including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and ischemic heart disease. Early and accurate interpretation of ECG readings is critical in ensuring timely intervention and improving patient outcomes. Nurses, particularly those in emergency and cardiac units, are often the first to assess patients with cardiac symptoms, making their ability to correctly interpret ECG readings crucial in early diagnosis and management (Oluwatosin & Eze, 2023).
Despite the importance of ECG interpretation, studies suggest that many nurses lack adequate training and confidence in accurately reading ECG results, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment (Adeyemi et al., 2024). This is particularly concerning in settings such as Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where prompt cardiac diagnosis can significantly impact morbidity and mortality rates. Insufficient ECG interpretation skills may result in misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and increased patient complications.
With the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria, there is a need to evaluate the level of nurses' knowledge of ECG interpretation and its impact on early cardiac diagnosis. Identifying gaps in knowledge can help design targeted training programs to enhance nurses' proficiency, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Early cardiac diagnosis is essential in preventing severe complications and improving patient survival rates. However, inadequate ECG interpretation skills among nurses can hinder timely identification of cardiac conditions, delaying life-saving interventions (Okonkwo & Ibrahim, 2023). While doctors are ultimately responsible for confirming diagnoses, nurses play a crucial role in the initial assessment and early recognition of abnormalities.
At Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the extent to which nurses' knowledge of ECG interpretation influences early cardiac diagnosis has not been fully explored. It remains unclear whether limited training, lack of confidence, or institutional constraints contribute to delayed cardiac diagnoses. This study seeks to evaluate nurses’ knowledge of ECG interpretation and its impact on the prompt identification and management of cardiac conditions.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of nurses’ knowledge of ECG interpretation at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
- To evaluate the impact of nurses’ ECG interpretation skills on early cardiac diagnosis.
- To identify barriers to effective ECG interpretation among nurses.
Research Questions
- What is the level of nurses’ knowledge of ECG interpretation at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital?
- How does nurses’ ability to interpret ECG results influence early cardiac diagnosis?
- What are the challenges nurses face in accurately interpreting ECG results?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital have varying levels of ECG interpretation knowledge.
- Limited ECG interpretation skills negatively impact early cardiac diagnosis.
- Institutional and training-related barriers hinder nurses’ ability to accurately interpret ECG results.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the cardiology, emergency, and intensive care units at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. It will assess their knowledge of ECG interpretation and its role in early cardiac diagnosis.
Limitations may include self-reported data, variations in ECG training among nurses, and differences in institutional protocols affecting ECG use.
Definitions of Terms
- ECG Interpretation: The process of analyzing electrocardiographic readings to diagnose cardiac conditions.
- Early Cardiac Diagnosis: Timely identification of cardiac abnormalities to facilitate prompt medical intervention.
- Nurses’ Knowledge: The awareness, understanding, and application of ECG interpretation principles.
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