Abstract
Introduction: A recent audit of ICD's for pleural effusions in our 800 bedded tertiary centre revealed that in a 2 month period a significant proportion of drains were being managed on non respiratory wards (44% oncology & 16% other medical wards). Guidelines recommend that ICD's are nursed on wards familiar with drains and their management.
Method: We carried out an anonymised survey of nursing staff to enquire about training,knowledge & comfort in managing ICD's. The completed survey questionnaires were returned via internal mail.
Results: 110 questionnaires were distributed & 71 were returned (65%). 76% were Staff nurses, 22.5% Sisters & 1.5% were matrons. 77% had been qualified more than 3 years. 38% worked in general medicine, 20% in respiratory, 24% in Oncology & 18% in other specialities. A majority of the nurses felt they did not have adequate training, very few of them had any post registration training.
Conclusion: There is a clear need need for education and training for nursing staff who are expected to look after patients with ICD'S. There is also a need for a trust wide chest drain observation chart.
- © 2011 ERS