Electrocardiographic practices: the current report of monitoring and education in Veterans Affairs facilities.
In 2004, practice standards for electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring were published to address the need for an expanded use of ECG monitoring beyond heart rate and basic rhythm determination. This article reports the data collected from a survey distributed throughout the Veterans Healthcare Administration hospitals to determine the extent to which practice standards have been adopted. Survey data were used to identify the differences between actual practice and evidence-based standards. The results were divided into ECG electrode application, lead selection, alarm limits, monitoring capabilities, monitoring during patient transport, and education and competencies. The results confirm the need for improvement, including a thorough evaluation of facility practices and education. The data demonstrate the differences among actual practice and evidence-based recommendations.
Jennifer L. Zaremba, MSN, RN, is a clinical nurse coordinator at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Ms Zaremba has experience as an intensive care and emergency department nurse. Karen Carroll, MS, RN, CCNS, CCRN PCCN, is a clinical nurse specialist for critical care at the San Diego VA Healthcare System. Kathleen Manley, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS-CSC, is a clinical nurse specialist for the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, Florida.
Jennifer L
JL
Zaremba
Karen
K
Carroll
Kathleen
K
Manley
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014187:Transportation of Patients; D014481:United States