KNOWLEDGE AND CLINICAL PRACTICES OF INTENSIVE CARE NURSES IN INTUBATION PROCEDURE IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Intubation is one of the most frequent invasive procedures performed in intensive care units (ICUs) to maintain airway patency in intubated patients. Effective performance of this procedure requires sound theoretical knowledge and practical competence.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practice of female nurses regarding the intubation procedure among intubated patients in the intensive care units of Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 female nurses who had worked in the ICUs of Gulab Devi Chest Hospital. Data were collected from February 2025 to April 2025 using a validated and adapted questionnaire assessing both knowledge and practice domains. Responses were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Nurses with higher professional education (BSN: 10.3 ± 1.9) and greater ICU experience (≥ 5 years: 10.1 ± 1.8) demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores, while nurse–patient ratios of 1:>3 were also associated with improved knowledge (p < 0.05). Practice scores were significantly higher among BSN nurses (11.8 ± 1.0) and those with ≥ 5 years ICU experience (11.6 ± 1.1), with optimal performance observed in nurses managing 1:≤3 patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The findings conclude that female nurses who had worked in the ICUs of Gulab Devi Chest Hospital possess good knowledge and adequate practice regarding the intubation procedure. Regular training programs and continuous education are recommended to strengthen their competencies further and ensure adherence to evidence-based practices.