Arrhythmia knowledge: a qualitative study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify and describe critical care nurses' perception of arrhythmia knowledge. In addition, this study is the first step in developing levels of arrhythmia competency. DESIGN: A qualitative research design was used. Focus group technique using a semistructured group session, with a moderator, was used to gather data. Data were analyzed by the constant comparative method. SUBJECTS: The subjects were critical care nurses who work in acute care settings where they read electrocardiographic data and make treatment decisions. PROCEDURES: Five focus groups were conducted over a period of 12 months. Group size ranged from four to eight participants. Participants were asked to describe their perceptions of arrhythmia knowledge and to assign a rating score related to the level of knowledge needed to identify specific arrhythmias. RESULTS: Basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of arrhythmia knowledge were identified. This study revealed a deficit in nurses' ability to recognize and identify specific arrhythmias including heart block, aberrant conduction, and tachyarrhythmias. Understanding of lead placement concepts varied greatly among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The insight and perspective of critical care nurses related to the level of arrhythmia knowledge are needed for the development of competency measures and evidence-based teaching strategies.