Knowledge and practice patterns of Intensive Care Unit nurses towards eye care in Chhattisgarh state

The aim of the study was to present the level of knowledge and practice patterns regarding exposure keratopathy in mechanically ventilated patients among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses in Chhattisgarh state.

A previously validated semi-structured questionnaire was administered in the ICU of six multispecialty hospitals in Chhattisgarh in 2014-2015. Demography included age, gender, level of education, and months of working in ICU. Most of the questions dealt with frequency of eyelid closure assessment, frequency of cleaning of eyes with saline gauze, using a protocol-based approach for eye care, and documentation of ophthalmic complications. Common barriers to delivery of eye care such as shortage of time and too much writing tasks were also inquired.

Our study included 120 nurses. They worked for mean 22.9 ± 17.8 months in ICU. Knowledge about high risk of exposure keratopathy in ventilated patient was present in 93% (78%; 95% confidence interval [CI]) nurses. Only six nurses (5%) followed a strict protocol for eye care, 52 nurses (43%) checked for eyelid closure in the ventilated patients, and 58 (48%) cleaned the eyes frequently. Those who were aware of exposure keratopathy checked eyelid closure (73% vs. 48%) and cleaned eyes with saline gauze more frequently (24% vs. 4%). Nurses in cardiac ICU were significantly lesser aware of exposure complications compared to medical ICU nurses (40% reduction in awareness, 95% CI = 0.37-0.98, P = 0.04).

Although there is high awareness, practice patterns of ICU nurses were less than desired. Educational initiatives should focus on weaknesses in knowledge and practice noted to improve eye care of patients in ICU.