Attitude and Practices of Sedation amongst Critical Care Nurses Working in a Kenyan National Hospital

Abstract

Summary: Sedation is necessary for the alleviation of anxiety so as to improve patient comfort and facilitate medical interventions and invasive procedures in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the attitudes and practice of sedation amongst all nurses working in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Intensive Care Unit was carried out between January and March 2010. Data was collected using a pre-tested likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using STATA 12. 

Results: There was a 90% response rate. More than 60% of the nurses scored the role of the nurse, a nurse implemented sedation protocol and a standardized approach towards sedation management as very important. Most of the tools used to assess sedation were scored very important by more than 80% of them. Comforting patients was the only technique of anxiety management used consistently by more than 50% of the nurses. Of all the nurses who managed anxiety consistently, 68% of them had attained a Higher Diploma in Critical Care. Of these, those who consistently reduced noise (60%), switched off lights (50%), comforted patients (63.2%) and used pharmacological agents (75%) had less than five years work experience in the ICU. 

Conclusion: Whereas the attitude towards sedation management was generally good there was disconnect between their attitude and practice. The practice of sedation was consistent amongst the nurses who had less than five years work experience in the ICU. 

Keywords: Sedation, intensive care, anxiety, nurses