Knowledge of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy among nurses

Aim of the study
The objective of the thesis is an attempt to evaluate the knowledge of gastrostomy rules among nurses (PEG).

Material and methods
In 2017, a survey was performed in a group of 115 nurses from the Voivodeship Specialist Hospital in Łódź. Among the respondents 97.4% were women and 2.6% were men. The respondents were divided into the following age groups: 20-30 years (20.8%), 31-40 years (33.9%), 41-50 years (34.8%), 51-60 years (7%), and over 60 years (3.5%). Respondents worked in the following departments: surgery (23.5%), internal diseases (24.3%), urology (18.3%), ICU (23.5%), and emergency room (10.4%). The research was performed by the diagnostic survey method. The average age of the respondents was 42 years. The results were processed with statistical analysis (p < 0.005).

Results
The median of the general level of knowledge expressed as the percentage of correct responses was 45.2%. In the opinion of 95.7% of the respondents, training in gastrostomy nutrition and procedures is necessary.

Conclusions
Knowledge of PEG among nurses is insufficient. The average level of knowledge of respondents expressed in the percentage of correct answers was 45%, which indicates the need to supplement and update the knowledge and skills of nursing staff. Knowledge and practical skills regarding patient nutrition are essential in every area of nursing due to the increasing prevalence of PEG. In the study group, 96% of nursing staff declared the need to participate in training, so it is worth considering expanding the curriculum of undergraduate studies on the scope of nutrition and the treatment of PEG.