Competence regarding mechanical ventilation among the nurses working in intensive care units of two university teaching hospitals in Rwanda.

Abstract

Background: More than fifty percent of critically patients admitted in intensive care units require respiratory supports with mechanical ventilation (MV).However the nurse‟s levels of competence on mechanical ventilation is reported to be quite low worldwide.A study done in South Africa regardless of nurses‟ training background, age, or experience showed a poor level of competence on mechanical ventilation with the following average score, 48% for ICU qualified nurses and 31% for non-ICU qualified nurses while the competence indicator was 75%. Aim of the study: The purpose of the study was to determine the level of competence on mechanical ventilation among the intensive care unit nurses at University teaching hospitals in Rwanda. Specific objectives: To determine the level of competence on mechanical ventilation and to identify the factors that are associated with the level of competence among nurses working in the intensive care units at university teaching hospitals in Rwanda. Methodology: The cross-sectional descriptive design was used to achieve the research objectives. The study population was made by 62 nurses working in ICUs of University Teaching Hospitals in Rwanda. To get the sample size, census sampling method was used. The tool composed of demographic data and three clinical vignettes was adapted and used as data collection tool. Vignette one concerns the normal post-operative patient, Vignette two concerns the patient with ARDS and Vignette three concerns the patient with COPD. SPSS was used to capture and analyze data. Results: The level of competence on mechanical ventilation was poor. Only 1.6% of participants achieved the competence indicator of 75% other 98.4% did not achieved. It was found that the competence level was associated with qualification, job position and age with p values ,P(0.000),P(0.000),P(0.038) respectively. Conclusion: The overall competency level on mechanical ventilation among nurses working in selected ICUs was poor. This is likely to negatively affect the patient who is mechanically ventilated. Furthermore, associated factors were identified