Outcomes of an Education Training for Nurses’ Knowledge and Interpretation of Arterial Blood Gas

Abstract

 This research is quasi-experimental, aimed at studying the objective is to study the effects of providing education on the interpretation of arterial blood gases for nurses at Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital. using a research questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of three parts: demographic information, questions regarding the interpretation of arterial blood gases which include 1) indications for arterial blood gas sampling, 2) specimen collection, 3) reading and interpreting, and questions about satisfaction with the program. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge before and after training, with participants completing the same set of questions twice. The average scores for knowledge in interpreting arterial blood gases and satisfaction scores were compared before and after the training using a paired t-test among 55 research participants. The study found that before training, the knowledge scores for interpreting arterial blood gases were low in 21 participants (38.18%), moderate in 19 participants (34.55%), and high to very high in 15 participants (27.27%). Following the training, the number of participants with low knowledge scores decreased to 3 (5.45%), those with moderate scores decreased to 8 (14.55%), while those with high to very high scores increased to 44 (80.00%). Statistical testing showed a significant increase in the average knowledge scores after the test (p < 0.000, t = -13.561). When assessing satisfaction scores, the average before training was 3.870 (S.D. ± 0.840), and after training, it averaged 4.510 (S.D. ± 0.573). Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in satisfaction regarding the arterial blood gas training (p < 0.000, t = -7.618). However, it is recommended that this training on patient care should be conducted regularly, and ongoing sessions should be provided to enhance nurses’ competency and improve the quality of patient care.