An evaluation of a teaching intervention to improve the practice of endotracheal suctioning in intensive care units

Endotracheal suctioning is a frequently performed procedure that has many a ssociated risks and complications. It is imperative that nurses are aware o f these risks and are able to practise according to current research recomm endations. This study was designed to examine to what extent intensive care nurses' kn owledge and practice of endotracheal suctioning is based on research eviden ce, to investigate the relationships between knowledge and practice, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a research-based teaching programme. This quasi-experimental study was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded comparison of two research-based teaching programmes, with 16 intensive car e nurses, using non-participant observation and a self-report questionnaire . Initial baseline data revealed a low level of knowledge for many participan ts, which was also reflected in practice, as suctioning was performed again st many of the research recommendations. Following teaching, significant improvements were seen in both knowledge an d practice. Four weeks later these differences were generally sustained, an d provide evidence of the effectiveness of the educational intervention. The study raised concern about all aspects of endotracheal suctioning and h ighlighted the need for changes in nursing practice, with clinical guidelin es and focused practice-based education.