Publication

Abstract : Abstract: A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and self reported clinical practice on prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) among staff nurses working in selected units in a tertiary care hospital, Kochi. Objectives of the study are to: (1) assess the knowledge of staff nurses on the prevention of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). (2) find out the self reported clinical practice of staff nurses on prevention of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). (3) find out the association between the knowledge and self reported clinical practice of staff nurses on prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). (4) prepare an informational booklet on the prevention of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Methodology: The study was conducted among 100 subjects who met the eligibility criteria using non probability convenience sampling technique.Results: Eventhough, majority of the subjects, 50(50%) had adequate experience and exposure in the respective unit as a registered nurse, knowledge on DVT seems to be average (58%) to poor (42%). As the data was collected using self reported practice checklist, it was expected to have some inflation in the scoring. But the result was striking as majority had average (14%) and poor practice (86%) on prevention of DVT. There was no significant association between knowledge and practice of staff nurses on prevention of DVT among hospitalized patients. The study throws light on the fact that staff nurses with average knowledge are also not practicing it in clinics.Conclusion: The study findings revealed the fact that no staff nurses were having a good knowledge and a good practice, inspite of the fact that 60% of them were graduates. DVT is often negligible, even though, life threatening conditions are associated with it such as PE. The assessment of mere knowledge may not give an accurate result of their practice. It also shows that rather than memorizing, practice is always hands on training. Moreover, it throws light on the fact that degrees have no meaning, if it is not practiced well in clinics.Key Words: knowledge, self reported clinical practice, prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis.