Nurse Competence in IHCA Management: A Comparative Knowledge Level Study of Pre and Post COVID-19 Pandemic Protocols in Critical Care Units

Introduction: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced challenges in IHCA management, necessitating adapted guidelines. Nurses play a pivotal role in IHCA response, making their knowledge crucial for optimal patient outcomes. This study aims to assess nurses' knowledge in IHCA management before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on understanding differences between general Advanced Life Support (ALS) guidelines and pandemic-special guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 168 nurses from Emergency Departments (EDs), Intensive Care Units (ICUs), and Cardiology Units was conducted over a three-month period. Participants' demographic information, education, and involvement in resuscitation teams were collected. Knowledge was evaluated based on a structured questionnaire encompassing both general ALS guidelines and COVID-19 pandemic-special guidelines. Results: The study revealed that a mere 13.9% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of general ALS guidelines, with a similarly low 12.7% possessing sufficient understanding of pandemic-special guidelines. Education and participation in certified programs, notably Basic Life Support (BLS) and ILS/ALS, correlated positively with higher knowledge levels. Notably, self-assessed proficiency in knowledge matched actual performance. Discussion: This study underscores significant gaps in nurses' knowledge of IHCA management, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Structured educational interventions and targeted training programs, such as BLS and ILS/ALS, are paramount to addressing these knowledge deficits and enhancing clinical competence within critical care units. These findings advocate for continuous improvements in cardiac arrest response to enhance patient outcomes.