Knowledge, attitude and practice of ICU nurses in relation to health economics

The economic issues and problems associated with the health sector have always been the focus of attention in terms of the significant share they make of the GDP. Intensive care units, and especially ICUs, are among the most expensive in the hospital sector, and nurses, as the most important person involved in the use of resources in these units, play a key role in cost control and effectiveness of care. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and performance of ICU nurses in relation to health economics. Materials &

After determining the population, the sample size was determined using Morgan table then ICU nurses randomly selected from different hospitals and shifts. Data were collected using a questionnaire validated by Heydari et al. In 2015. The researcher manually delivered the questionnaires to the nurses in different shifts and collected those 48 hours later. The coded data were then entered into the statistical software (SPSS, version 25) and analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics.

Attitudes toward health economics were optimal among ICU nurses (85%), but nurses' awareness and performance were suboptimal (65% and 62%, respectively). Average awareness score in the field of health economics was 4.57± 2.16 (range: 0-16), Average attitude score was 55± 6.90 (range: 0-72) and Average performance score was 27.35± 7.21 (range: 0-44).

ICU nurses have a good attitude towards health economics, but their level of awareness and performance in this field should be improved. Due to the low level of awareness and performance of ICU nurses in the field of health economics, it is recommended to hold in-service classes and workshops in this field.