Journal article
Nurses' competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in acute care settings: A systematic review
Journal of Advanced Nursing, Vol.78(5), pp.1245-1266
2022
PMID: 34989423
Abstract
Aims:
Identify and synthesize evidence of nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in acute care settings.
Design:
Systematic mixed studies review.
Data sources:
Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, Scopus and Cochrane were searched in April 2021.
Review methods:
Data were selected using the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‑Analysis framework. A data-based convergent synthesis design using qualitative content analysis was adopted. Quality appraisal was undertaken using validated tools appropriate to study designs of the included papers.
Results:
Forty-three papers were included in this review. Skills and attitudes were not commonly assessed, as most studies referred to ‘competency’ in the context of nurses’ knowledge in electrocardiogram interpretation. Nurses’ knowledge levels in this important nursing role varied notably, which could be partly due to a range of assessment tools being used. Several factors were found to influence nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation across the included studies from individual, professional and organizational perspectives.
Conclusion:
The definition of ‘competency’ was inconsistent, and nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation varied from low to high. Nurses identified a lack of regular training and insufficient exposure in electrocardiogram interpretation. Hence, regular, standard training and education are recommended. Also, more research is needed to develop a standardized and comprehensive electrocardiogram interpretation tool, thereby allowing educators to safely assess nurses’ competency.
Impact:
This review addressed questions related to nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation. The findings highlight varying competency levels and assessment methods. Nurses reported a lack of knowledge and confidence in interpreting electrocardiograms. There is an urgent need to explore opportunities to promote and maintain nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation.
Details
- Title
- Nurses' competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in acute care settings: A systematic review
- Authors
- Yingyan Chen (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross UniversityElicia Kunst (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityDima Nasrawi (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityDebbie Massey (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityAmy N B Johnston (Author) - The University of QueenslandKathryn Keller (Author) - Florida Atlantic UniversityFrances Fengzhi Lin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Publication details
- Journal of Advanced Nursing, Vol.78(5), pp.1245-1266
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1111/jan.15147
- ISSN
- 1365-2648
- PMID
- 34989423
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99603207902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
78 Record Views
InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Source: SDGs from InCites