ASSESSMENT OF NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN EMERGENCY UNITS OF SECONDARY HOSPITALS IN PESHAWAR

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and requires rapid, evidence-based management. Nurses working in emergency units are often the first healthcare professionals to assess and manage patients with suspected MI; therefore, their knowledge and clinical competence are critical determinants of patient outcomes.

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge among nurses regarding the management of myocardial infarction in emergency units of selected secondary hospitals in Peshawar and to identify key areas of knowledge deficiency to inform future educational interventions.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 74 registered nurses working in the emergency departments of three secondary hospitals in Peshawar. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire adapted from Mali and Singh (2024). The tool assessed demographic characteristics and knowledge related to MI symptom recognition, pathophysiology, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, pharmacological management, and immediate nursing interventions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results:
The majority of nurses demonstrated moderate to good overall knowledge of myocardial infarction management, particularly regarding symptom recognition, risk factors, and commonly used medications. However, substantial knowledge gaps were identified in specialized clinical areas. Nearly half of the participants (47.3%) reported limited or no knowledge of ECG interpretation, and 52.7% demonstrated inadequate understanding of Levine’s sign. Inconsistencies were also observed in patient education practices and routine ECG review.

Conclusion:
Although nurses possessed a foundational understanding of MI management, significant deficiencies exist in advanced assessment and diagnostic skills. Targeted training programs, particularly in ECG interpretation and clinical assessment, are urgently needed to strengthen emergency nursing practice and improve patient outcomes in secondary-level healthcare settings.