An evaluative study was conducted on “An exploratory study to assess the level of knowledge and practices regarding administration of drugs among the staff nurses working in pediatric wards of selected hospitals with a view to develop a health education module. Background: Medication use in hospitals is a complex process because medication administration errors (MAE) contribute directly to patient morbidity and mortality. Nurses have an important role in a safe administration of drugs. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses to have sufficient knowledge and practice of administration of drugs, possible side effects and necessary cares.
Objectives of the study:
1. To assess the level of knowledge of the staff nurses regarding administration of drugs.
2. To assess the level of practice of the staff nurses regarding administration of drugs.
3. To correlate the knowledge of the staff nurses with the practices regarding administration of drugs.
4. To associate the knowledge and practice of the staff nurses regarding administration of drugs with the selected demographic variables.
Methodology: The conceptual framework used in the study is Pender’s Health Promotional Model. The research design adopted for the present study was descriptive design. The study was conducted in selected paediatric hospitals of Bangalore. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. The sample comprise of 50 staff nurses. Self structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Major Findings of the Study: The finding of the study revealed that 48 (96%) respondents has adequate level of knowledge on administration of drugs and 2 (4%) has moderate knowledge level. And none has inadequate knowledge level regarding administration of drugs. The data subjected for correlation coefficient (r) reveals there exist significant relationship between knowledge and practice levels of respondents on administration of drugs (r = +0.78*, r > 0.05 and < 1) is present. Out of the ten demographic variables statistical significant association was found with knowledge level among age, years of experience as a nurse, years of experience as a pediatric nurse, professional qualification and religion on administration of drugs. Among the selected demographic variables under the study, the statistical associations are found with the practice level among four variables namely years of experience as a nurse, years of experience as a pediatric nurse, professional qualification and religion on administration of drugs.
Interpretation and Conclusion: The result indicates that the overall mean knowledge and practice scores of the staff nurses on administration of drugs were found to be 84.14 percent with SD 7.86 percent and 78.6 percent with SD 10.09 percent respectively. So there is a need to impart the knowledge and practice on administration of drugs.
