Knowledge about pulse oximetry among medical and nursing staff

The use of the pulse oximeter is becoming popular in developing countries. The introduction of the requirement into hospitals is not usually accompanied by appropriate staff training. Therefore 25 health care professionals at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, were studied to assess their knowledge about the pulse oximeter. A questionnaire was designed to assess this. A 100% response rate was achieved from staff participating in the study. Most (92%) of the participants (medical (M) 44%, nursing (N) 52% and medical student (MS) 4% had seen the equipment before, being used in the hospital. Only 28% claimed to have been trained in its use though. The answers to the clinical questions generally reflected a poor understanding of the principles of pulse oximetry. The aim of improving patient's care by introducing such equipment can only be achieved by accompanying its introduction with staff training on the use of this equipment.