title: Improving nurses' knowledge of continuous ST-segment monitoring.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Continuous ST-segment monitoring can result in detection of myocardial ischemia, but in clinical practice, continuous ST-segment monitoring is conducted incorrectly and underused by many registered nurses (RNs). Many RNs are unable to correctly institute ST-segment monitoring guidelines because of a lack of education.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate whether an educational intervention, provided to 32 RNs, increases knowledge and correct clinical decision making (CDM) for the use of continuous ST-segment monitoring.
  
  
  METHODS
  At a single institution, an ST-segment monitoring class was provided to RNs in 2 cardiovascular units. Knowledge and correct CDM instruments were used for a baseline pretest and subsequent posttest after ST-segment monitoring education.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistical significance between pretest and posttest scores for knowledge and correct CDM practice was noted with dependent t tests (P = .0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many RNs responsible for electrocardiographic monitoring are not aware of evidence-based ST-segment monitoring practice guidelines and cannot properly place precordial leads needed for ST-segment monitoring. Knowledge and correct CDM with ST-segment monitoring can be improved with focused education.
authors.affiliation: Connie Chronister is Associate Instructor, School of Nursing, University of Akron, College of Health Sciences, Akron, OH 44325 (csc21@uakron.edu).
authors.forename: Connie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chronister
mesh_terms: D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000592:standards*; D009740:Nursing Staff