FROM KNOWLEDGE TO PRACTICE: EDUCATIONAL IMPACT ON NURSES’ RESPIRATORY ASSESSMENT SKILLS

Physical assessment is the systematic collection of both objective and subjective data through health history and a comprehensive examination of body systems. Among these, respiratory assessment is a fundamental skill that every nurse must perform and accurately document, particularly in critical care settings. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program on improving the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding respiratory assessment of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methodology: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted and conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. A total of 52 nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaire and practice checklist specifically designed to assess respiratory assessment competencies. Results: Before the intervention, 58% of nurses exhibited an average level of knowledge, and only 10% demonstrated average practice. Following the educational program, 71% of nurses achieved an average level of knowledge, while 77% showed improvement in practice, reflecting a significant enhancement in both domains. Conclusion: The findings clearly indicate that the educational program was effective in enhancing nurses' knowledge and practice related to respiratory assessment. Structured educational interventions can thus play a vital role in improving the quality of nursing care in critical care environments.