Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Intensive Care Unit Nurses Regarding Critical Care Ultrasound: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwestern China.

Abstract

Background: Critical care ultrasound is a promising technology for assessment and operational assistance in critical care. However, research on its application in critical nursing remains limited in China.

Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding critical care ultrasound.

Study design: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. Data were collected via an online survey from April 1 to April 30, 2023, across six hospitals in Southwestern China. A structured questionnaire on critical care ultrasound was administered to 404 ICU nurses. Scores were converted to a percentage scale, with ≤ 60% considered negative, < 80% intermediate and ≥ 80% excellent.

Results: Overall, 64.4% (260/404) of nurses scored at an intermediate level. In the knowledge dimension, 70.8% (286/404) of nurses had negative scores; in the attitude dimension, 49.0% (198/404) of nurses had an intermediate attitude; in the practice dimension, 22.8% (92/404) of nurses struggled to effectively implement clinical practice. Univariate analysis revealed that nursing object (F = 11.520, p < 0.01), ICU classification (F = 3.613, p = 0.029) and education level (F = 4.765, p = 0.010) significantly influenced the scores of nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding critical care ultrasound. Multivariate analysis revealed surgical ICU classification significantly predicted lower scores versus general ICU in total scores (β = -0.189, 95% CI [-29.499, -4.850], p < 0.01). Paediatric cases showed reduced scores versus adults in total scores (β = -0.233, 95% CI [-12.638, -1.989], p < 0.01). Conversely, mixed adult-paediatric care demonstrated superior total scores (β = 0.182, 95% CI [0.710, 15.448], p < 0.01) versus adult-only care.

Conclusions: ICU nurses hold a positive attitude toward critical care ultrasound technology, generally believing that it can assist their work and improve patient outcomes. However, the current practical application of critical care ultrasound by ICU nurses is insufficient, particularly due to a lack of theoretical knowledge related to the technology.

Relevance to clinical practice: These findings can assist nursing management in effectively developing future training programmes for critical care ultrasound, promoting its application and development in ICU nursing practice.