Biography
Biography: Syreeta Corbitt
Abstract
Graduate Nursing scholars from Holy Names University collaborated with a teaching hospital educator to develop three standard nursing protocols. Nurses identified the needs, wants and desire (NWDs) for developing an ECG Prn Protocol. An electrocardiogram or ECG is a common test used to record the flow of electrical current through the heart. A retrospective study uses existing data that have been recorded for reasons other than research. Health care labels as “chart reviews” because the data source is the medical record. In this study we report on the design of the retrospective patient record study on the frequency of electrocardiograms (ECGs) ordered in different units at a teaching hospital. Attention is paid to strengths and limitations of the study design. Due to lack of standardization in medical and nursing practice, the process in which ECGs are currently ordered and performed varies by unit. Changes in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been found to not only be influenced by individual health professionals, but also by organizational factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the difference in frequency of ECGs ordered and performed between January and March 2016 on a Coronary Care Unit and a Medical-Surgical Unit at a teaching hospital. This protocol will allow nurses to rapidly order an ECG based upon nursing assessment and approved criteria. The ECG has valuable information based on the intensity of the heart's contractions and time intervals between those contractions for Physician’s evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. 80% ECG were ordered by RNs.