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Discrepancies between Perceived Knowledge, Actual Knowledge and Practice: Opportunity for Education
ASL Abstract
Objective: Assess adherence to a new oxytocin protocol
Study Design: Medical records of patients requiring oxytocin induction or augmentation January 1 to January 31, 2011 were reviewed for compliance with our institution’s oxytocin protocol. This included starting dose, rate increase, documentation at 16 and 24mu/min, and maximum dose ordered. Seventy physicians and 80 nurses were invited to participate in an anonymous, electronic survey regarding their protocol understanding.
Results: Eighty-seven percent of respondents reported good protocol knowledge. Sixty percent of protocol questions were answered correctly (59% of RNs, 53% of physicians). Records review of 225 patients showed protocol breech 95% of the time; 64% due to documentation.
Conclusion: There is a discrepancy between perceived knowledge and actual knowledge of the protocol. There is wide variation in protocol execution and documentation, indicating the need for further education of all providers.
Topics:
2012, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Patient Care, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, GME, Quality & Safety,