ASSESSMENT OF NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES ON PERIOPERATIVE NURSING DOCUMENTATION OF SPHMMC, 2025

Abstract

Abstract Background: Accurate perioperative documentation is vital for patient safety, legal protection, and quality care. However, nurse-related factors such as knowledge, training, and experience influence documentation practices across departments. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of nurses on perioperative documentation at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) and explore associated factors such as training, department, and work experience. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 124 perioperative nurses using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed to identify patterns in knowledge, practice, and influencing variables. Results: The response rate was 92.5%. Most respondents were female (58.9%), aged 25–34, held a BSc degree (93.5%), and had 3–7 years of experience (78.2%). • Knowledge: 91.1% had good knowledge; recovery unit nurses scored 100%. • Practice: 89.5% demonstrated good documentation practice; however, gaps were noted in the OR. • Nurses with over 7 years of experience had a 100% good practice rate, while mid-career nurses (5–7 years) showed more poor practice cases. • Training impact: Among trained nurses, 94.1% practiced well vs. 61.5% among untrained ones. • Electronic documentation training was received by 65.8%, yet 34.2% lacked such training. • There was a strong, though not perfect, correlation between knowledge and practice. • Departmental roles and workload influenced both knowledge and application.

Conclusion: SPHMMC nurses demonstrated high knowledge and generally good practice in perioperative documentation. However, inconsistencies remain, particularly in high pressure departments like the OR and among mid-career nurses. Targeted training, consistent supervision, and clear documentation standards are essential to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Keywords: Perioperative documentation, nursing practice, knowledge assessment, training, SPHMMC, surgical safety