Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Intensive Care Nurses Regarding Eye Care.

Introduction: Care for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) must support all body systems. However, ICU nurses often focus on life-threatening conditions, giving less attention to other critical areas such as eye care.

Objective: This study aims to determine ICU nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding eye care.

Method: This descriptive study was conducted in Türkiye between 1 June 1 2024, and 15 August 2024. The sample included 210 nurses actively working in ICU settings, and data were collected using the snowball sampling method. An online survey was administered, which included demographic information and the 'Eye Care Clinical Competence Questionnaire' Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0. The normality of the data was assessed using kurtosis and skewness tests, and appropriate analysis methods were selected.

Results: The average age of the participants was 32.48 ± 7.45 years, with 78.1% being female and 77.1% holding a bachelor's degree. Female nurses and those with intensive care nursing certification had significantly higher eye care clinical competency scores. Additionally, nurses working in Neonatal ICU's scored higher in knowledge and attitude sub-dimensions compared to other ICUs. Nurses who received in-service training and used protocols for eye care had higher competency scores. A total of 37 nurses (17.6%) stated that the obstacles to performing eye care were the perception that eye care is less important compared to other problems. Nurses with an ICU nursing certificate had significantly higher Eye Care Clinical Competence Questionnaire total scores (p = 0.002), attitude sub-dimension (p = 0.049) and practice sub-dimension (p = 0.004) total scores.

Conclusion: The clinical competency levels of ICU nurses in eye care improve with post-graduation education, the use of protocols, and updated information. Thus, it is recommended that standard protocols be developed and training programmes for eye care practicesbe expanded.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care: It was determined that intensive care nurses had limited knowledge about eye care and that a standard eye care practices were not performed. In order to increase the competence of intensive care nurses in eye care, this subject should be included in continuing evidence-based practice education, in-service training and certification programs and integrated into practices. Educational initiatives and policy advancements will enhance nurses' clinical competencies in eye care and promote patient safety.

Impact: This study determined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of intensive care nurses regarding eye care, as well as the influencing factors. It was found that nurses had limited knowledge about eye care but had good attitudes. Having certification and education for intensive care nurses improve clinical competence and attitudes in eye care.

Reporting method: STROBE checklist was followed for reporting in the study.

Patient or public contribution: Nurses working in the intensive care unit participated in this study.