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New from nursing research: the basic knowledge assessment tool (BKAT) for critical care nursing
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|May 1, 1984
Summary
The Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT) is a reliable measure of critical care nursing knowledge. Critical care experience, not education or unit type, best predicts a nurse
Area of Science:
- Nursing Science
- Critical Care Medicine
- Professional Assessment
Background:
- The need for a standardized assessment of basic knowledge in critical care nursing.
- Previous validation and reliability studies of the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the validity and reliability of the BKAT.
- To identify predictors of basic knowledge in critical care nurses.
- To explore differences in knowledge based on experience, unit type, and education.
Main Methods:
- Expert panel review for content validity.
- Pilot study with 100 critical care nurses (CCUs).
- Statistical analysis to determine reliability (alpha coefficient) and significant differences.
Main Results:
- The BKAT demonstrated strong reliability (alpha = 0.86).
- Critical care experience significantly predicted basic knowledge.
- No significant knowledge differences found based on hospital type or nursing degree.
Conclusions:
- The BKAT is a valid and reliable tool for assessing critical care nursing knowledge.
- Length of critical care experience is the primary determinant of basic knowledge.
- The BKAT-2 revision ensures the tool remains current with evolving nursing knowledge and technology.