Nurses competencies in Electrocardiogram interpretation: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Knowledge of ECG principles and being competent in ECG interpretation are prerequisites for nurses. Registered nurses frequently report misunderstanding and ambiguity due to their lack of knowledge related to electrocardiography interpretation. The main purpose of this study is to identify the nurses' competencies in ECG interpretation. Cross-sectional survey was conducted and the data was collected from January 2020 to August 2020. A convenience sample of 110 nurses was used. Electrocardiography Interpretation Competence Questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistics were used to describe the sample characteristic and responses and to compare the scores means between groups. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Fifty percent of participants showed low competency levels in ECG interpretation, the total percentage mean score out of 10 was (6.68, SD 2.26). There was significant differences between groups in term of speciality (H (3) = 16.114 p = .003), no significant difference in ECG competencies scores with regards to gender (U = 975.500, z = -1.193, p= .233) or prior education course (U = 1180. 00, z = -1.690, p = .108). Nurses had insufficient knowledge regarding ECG interpretation, especially on practical aspects. The study's findings have implications for the design of course development for ECG and evaluation methods. This study may help in enhancing nurses' competencies in ECG and will also help provide the appropriate care to the patients in emergency situations.