A study of a hospital staff's knowledge of pulse oximetry.

摘要: A selection of medical and nursing staff anaesthetic technicians at work on a particular day regional Base Hospital were invited to complete questionnaire assess their knowledge the principles pulse oximetry. 98.5% response rate (203 respondents) was achieved from in broad cross section hospital wards participating study. Most participants (nursing [N] 87%, [M] 91%, [AT] 100%) used oximetry regularly daily work. Less than half (N 36%, M 48% AT 50%) felt they had adequate training use Only 68.5% correctly stated what oximeters measure. Answers questions regarding oximetry, potential errors, normal ranges or physiology oxygen haemoglobin dissociation varied but generally reflected limited understanding. As extends beyond operating theatre intensive care environment, appropriate education must ensure basic understanding instrument.