The training effect of tracheal tube care standards on the care performance of nurses in the critical care units of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan: A semi-experimental study

Endotracheal tube care is one of the main principles of care in critical care units, which requires annual evaluation. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the training effect of endotracheal tube care standards on the care performance of nurses in critical care units.

This semi-experimental study with before and after design was conducted in Shahid-Beheshti teaching hospital of Kashan in 2022-2023. The research units included 101 nurses working in the intensive care units of the hospital, who were included in the study by census. Tracheal tube care behaviors were observed in two stages (before and after training). A checklist of tracheal tube care behavior was used. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and dependent t-tests, chi-square in SPSS software version 21.

In this study, 101 nurses (84.7%) with a mean age of 36 years and 8 years of work experience were examined. The results showed a significant difference between the mean cuff pressure before (34.38mmHg) and after training (33.08mmHg; p=0.049). Further results indicated differences in the frequency of care behaviors such as the depth of insertion and fixation of the endotracheal tube, use of gas, checking the cuff of the endotracheal tube during the shift and before suction, observing the proper position, performing physical therapy, catheter sterility, duration of suction, and the number of suction times before and after training (P<0.05).

The tracheal tube care standards training program has a positive effect on care performance of nurses. Therefore, it seems necessary to plan and implement annual continuing education programs regarding updating and improving the care performance of nurses in critical care units.