Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Self-Reported Practices in Using Infusion Pumps for Pediatric units at Tertiary Care Hospitals, Lahore

Abstract

Background: Infusion pumps are essential medical devices in pediatric care, designed to deliver fluids and medications with high precision. However, their safe use is heavily dependent on the knowledge and competence of nursing staff, as errors in these units can lead to life-threatening complications due to the physiological vulnerability of neonates and children.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and self-reported practices among nurses regarding the use of infusion pumps in pediatric units at tertiary care hospitals in Lahore.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected from 150 registered nurses working in pediatric units at Jinnah Hospital and other tertiary care facilities in Lahore using a simple random sampling technique. A structured, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and checklist, adopted from previously validated research, were used to measure knowledge and practice levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results: The majority of participants were aged 26–35 years (86.7%) and held a Post RN or Diploma in Nursing. While 97.3% of nurses managed more than three patients per shift, only 2% had attended formal training on infusion pump usage. Despite this, nurses demonstrated high knowledge levels, with mean scores ranging from 4.55 to 4.98. Significant majorities strongly agreed they could program rates (60.7%) and understand safety alarms (64%). Self-reported practices were also satisfactory (mean scores 4.38–5.14), with high compliance in checking settings (80%) and priming lines (81.3%). However, lower compliance was noted in hand hygiene (59.3%) and equipment cleaning (64.7%).

Conclusion: Nurses in Lahore’s tertiary pediatric units possess satisfactory theoretical knowledge and self-reported clinical skills regarding infusion pumps. Nevertheless, the critical lack of formal training and standardized procedure manuals highlights an institutional gap that must be addressed to ensure long-term patient safety and minimize the risk of medication errors.