Attitudes and Awareness of Nursing Students in Developing Evidence-based Practices for Preventing Peripheral Venous Catheter-related Infections

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes and awareness of nursing students regarding evidence-based practices for the prevention of peripheral catheter-associated infections. Method:This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 2nd, 3rd and 4th year nursing students (n=327) who were studying in the nursing department of a state university’s health college and practicing clinical practice. Data were collected using student introduction form, evidence-based practices in the prevention of peripheral catheter-associated infections information form, and attitude scale toward the importance and use of evidence-based nursing for students. Results:The mean total score of the attitude scale toward the importance and use of evidence-based nursing for students. was 69.94±16.26, and the mean knowledge score of evidence-based practices in the prevention of peripheral catheter-related infections was 12.37±2.64. Nursing students had the highest knowledge (97.2%) about the practice of “Aseptic technique should be followed during insertion and care of peripheral intravenous catheters", and the lowest knowledge (74.9%) about the practice of “Infusion sets used continuously in patients who are not given blood, blood products or lipid emulsions do not need to be changed more frequently than 96 hours, but should be changed at least every seven days". Conclusion:Nursing students’ attitudes toward the importance and use of evidence-based nursing are above the medium level, and their awareness of evidence-based practices in the prevention of peripheral catheter-related infections is high. To increase the attitudes and awareness of nursing students toward evidence-based practice, evidence-based nursing courses should be added to the nursing education curriculum and students should be encouraged to conduct scientific research and participate in scientific activities.