Effectiveness of Learning Package on Knowledge of Electrocardiogram Interpretation among Staff Nurses

Objective: ECG monitoring is an important nursing skill and is essential in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. Appropriate ECG interpretation skills are required to deliver prompt and correct treatment. In emergencies, the nurse is expected to interpret the rhythm accurately and respond immediately. Lack of knowledge of ECG interpretation limits treatment and affects clinical outcomes. Hence, the study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of the learning package on knowledge of ECG interpretation among staff nurses. Materials and methods: Quasi - experimental study was performed on 60 staff nurses working in medical, surgical, and cardiac intensive care units of selected hospitals at Kolhapur. The effectiveness of a learning package on ECG interpretation was evaluated through a structured knowledge tool using pre - test - post - test design. Improvement in knowledge score was determined through the qualitative and evaluative approach. Results: A significant improvement was found between pre - test and post - test score (P=2.2e - 16). A significant association was observed between gender and pre - test score (P=0.049) whereas, in post test scores experience showed a significant association (P=0.015). Conclusion: The learning package was effective in improving ECG interpretation knowledge in staff nurses and can be used as an effective method to train nurses in Kolhapur.