Clinical competence of nursing staff for the management of intradialytic hypotension in the hemodialysis service of the Naval Medical Center

Abstract

Introduction: Proper management of arterial hypotension during hemodialysis is essential in the training and work activities of nephrology nursing personnel of the Centro Médico Naval (Naval Medical Center). Staff must have sufficient knowledge about hypotension and its associated factors to help them predict it and act preventively, as well as instrumental skills to carry out measures in practice.

Objective: To analyze the clinical competence of the nursing personnel in the hemodialysis service of the Centro Médico Naval (Naval Medical Center) regarding their academic training and professional experience in the management of intradialytic arterial hypotension.

Methodology: Prospective, descriptive and observational study. Two instruments were used: an adaptation of Miller’s Questionnaire for Hemodialysis Management Knowledge and Murillo’s Observational Guide of Instrumental Skills in Nursing Personnel.

Results: The sample consisted of twelve nurses belonging to the hemodialysis service. 33.3% showed a regular level of clinical competence and 66.7% showed a good level. On average, clinical competence stood at 78%.

Discussion: The obtained results differ from those reported in other studies, both in terms of the year of application and in terms of the assessed subjects.

Limitations: The sample size was low due to limited staff in the service.

Conclusions: It is necessary to reinforce the knowledge of the personnel on the subject. However, it was observed that instrumental skills were excellent in all cases. No correlation between the level of education and professional experience was observed.