Evaluation of Nurses' Knowledge and Competency in Sepsis Management: “A Case Study of Adult ICU/HDU Setting at Chuk.”

Background Sepsis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients, necessitating that nursing staff in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs) possess the essential skills and knowledge for effective management. The project research aims to enhance nursing knowledge and competence in managing sepsis, which is fundamental for improving patient outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous learning and quality improvement in critical care settings. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was used with a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of nurses working in ICU/HDU unit at CHUK, with a sample size covering 51 participants. Descriptive statistics was applied to each variable, and data was presented using tables and frequency distributions. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for quantitative variables. Ordinal logistic regression was carried out to study factors associated with knowledge towards knowledge and management of sepsis. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 from the ordinal logistic regression was considered statistically significant. Results Among participants, 11.8% had low level of knowledge,58.8% has moderate knowledge and 29.4% had good level of knowledge towards sepsis. Among them 39.2% showed low level of practice, 29.4% showed moderate level of practice and 31.4% good practice. The results from ordinal regression showed that level of education is a factor of knowledge towards sepsis. Those with Bachelor’s degree showed to have inadequate knowledge (P-value = 0.032). The results from ordinal regression showed that training is a factor to practice towards the management of sepsis. Those who were not trained showed inadequate practice (P-value = 0.002) Conclusion Nurses remain to have poor knowledge and practice towards sepsis, and factors related to that poor knowledge and practice were identified. Those factors include education for knowledge and lack of training for practice. In-service enhancement of knowledge and management through education and training of nurses towards sepsis should be intensified.