Nurses’ knowledge and self-assessment of their clinical experiences of intraosseous access: A multicentre cross-sectional study

Giancarlo Cicolini, Dania Comparcini, Valentina Simonetti, Cinzia Anna Maria Papappicco, John Unsworth, Marco Tomietto*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background
Intraosseous access is an effective and safe option when difficult vascular access occurs. The knowledge, competence, and clinical experience of nurses are collectively essential for the successful implementation of this approach in clinical practice. Education and clinical learning are the main pillars supporting this new practice to ensure patient safety. The aim of this study was to identify the nurses’ knowledge and clinical experience of intraosseous access and the factors associated with the adoption of this procedure.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December 2020. A convenience sample of 432 nurses from four Italian hospitals were involved. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the nurses’ knowledge of the intraosseous access guidelines and their clinical experience.

Results
Most participants were female (71.5%) with more than 10 years of experience (63.7%) working in an emergency (38.9%) and medical (37.7%) setting. Most of the participants demonstrated their knowledge of the use of a device e.g., it is used if vascular access is not rapidly achieved in a child (83.1%) and the boluses of liquids required in the intraosseous procedure (72.7%). A few participants reported having placed intraosseous access (3.5%). A higher level of educational preparation and working in emergency and paediatric settings were associated with increased knowledge.

Conclusions
Our findings highlighted a sub-optimal level of knowledge of the IO procedure, little experience of this practice in clinical contexts, also associated with a lack of adequate protocols and devices available to nurses. Nurses need to develop their knowledge and practice the skill clinically to embed this practice. University and nurse educators should emphasise the relevance of this practice in nursing education and training, so as to improve the nursing care practice and level of patient safety.
Original languageEnglish
Article number101314
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Emergency Nursing
Volume69
Early online date21 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2023

Keywords

  • Nurses
  • Intraosseous access
  • Knowledge
  • Clinical experiences
  • Evidence-based guidelines
  • Cross-sectional

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