EFFECTIVENESS IN USING A CEREBROSPINAL FLUID LEVEL MEASURING INSTRUMENT INNOVATION AT BOROM ARAJ ONANI COLLEGE OF NURSING, RATCHABURI RATCHABURI

Abstract

Correct and accurate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level measurements can reduce the occurrence of increased intracranial pressure and brain herniation. This is vital to care for intracerebral hemorrhage patients with ventriculostomy drainage (VD). The problem of nursing students in the practice of care for neurosurgery is lack of confidence in the accuracy of the instruments and lack of skills in using CSF level measuring instrument. This study was based on a quasi-experimental research design aimed at comparing the efficiency of a CSF level measuring instrument innovation and the satisfaction of nursing students about the use of the CSF level measuring instrument innovation. The study was conducted from February to April 2017. The sample was composed of third-year nursing students at Boromrajjonani College of Nursing, Ratchaburi who were training in the Neurosurgery Department of Ratchaburi Hospital. The sample size of 40 participants was selected by random sampling. The research instruments consisted of the following two parts: 1) The experimental instrument was the innovative instrument for measuring CSF levels 2) The questionnaire on the effectiveness of using an innovative instrument for measuring CSF levels and satisfaction. Percentage, mean, standard deviation and paired t-test were used to analyze the data.

1. The mean score on the efficiency of the innovative instrument for measuring CSF levels was significantly higher than the traditional instrument for measuring CSF levels (p<0.05).

2. The mean scores of nursing students' satisfaction with the using of the innovative instrument for measuring CSF levels were significantly higher than the traditional instrument for measuring CSF levels (p<0.05).

Based on the results of the research, the CSF level measuring instrument innovation can reduce measurement time, while the accuracy of the measurement can be used to solve the problem of setting CSF levels. The nursing students in this study were satisfied with the innovation, which is also appropriate for use in the Neurosurgery Department. In conclusion, it is suggested nursing students be taught and prepared before practicing with the innovation. In the meantime, other researchers should study the effectiveness of the innovative CSF level measuring instrument and satisfaction in professional nurses who work in neurosurgery.