Knowledge of Polish Nurses About Sepsis Based on Validated Questionnaire: A Multi-Site Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Nurses are crucial for early sepsis identification, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
• Timely diagnosis and intervention in sepsis are vital for reducing mortality and complications.
• Understanding nurses' sepsis knowledge is key to improving care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding sepsis.
• To analyze the relationship between nurses' sepsis knowledge, attitudes, and self-assessment.
• To identify sociodemographic factors influencing nurses' sepsis knowledge and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A correlational, cross-sectional study involving 293 nurses in Poland.
• Utilized the validated Nurses' Attitudes and Knowledge about Sepsis Scale (NAKSeS).
• Assessed knowledge (pathogenesis, treatment, prevention, nursing actions), attitudes, self-assessment, and sociodemographic data.

Main Results:

• Nurses showed moderate general knowledge, specific knowledge factors, attitudes, and self-assessed knowledge.
• Postgraduate education, specific knowledge sources (experience, books), and high-acuity settings correlated with higher scores.
• Age and work experience positively influenced attitudes and self-assessment but showed mixed correlations with knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' sepsis knowledge and attitudes are significantly influenced by educational background and clinical experience.
• Postgraduate training and experience in intensive care settings are associated with improved sepsis knowledge and attitudes.
• Enhanced nursing education and continuous professional development are recommended to improve sepsis care.