Using Complex Medical Devices: ICU Nurses' Safety Perceptions

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into ICU nurses’ safety perceptions and explore continuing educational strategies for improving nurses’ technological competence. Background: Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America. Over 10,000 medical errors occur daily, with an estimated financial impact of preventable mistakes is 20 billion dollars annually. Increasing the use of multifarious sophisticated medical technologies in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) poses a risk of medical errors and unintentional harm to patients. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding ICU nurses’ perspectives. Methods: This research featured an online mixed methods descriptive exploratory research approach. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) survey, opened-ended questions, and demographic data were collected using RedCap©. Data Analyses: Quantitative data were analyzed using the R (version 4.2.0) statistical package. A two-tailed Pearson’s correlation and linear regression models were used to test the hypothesis. The NVivo© for Mac 11.4.3 software was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results: The results revealed a significant relationship between nurses’ safety perceptions and the years of experience, education, and medical device competency. Recurring themes included organizational insufficiencies such as inadequate training, supplies, and equipment. Device malfunction posed a safety risk and took attention away from patient care. Conclusion: The findings inform the need for medical device education standards, future research, and policy changes for reporting error and improving safety programs. Interprofessional Implications: Rapid increase in new technology warrants clinicians to maintain technological competency.