Impact of a Structured Educational Intervention on Critical Care Nurses’ Knowledge of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Monitoring in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a frequent yet under-recognized complication among critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Critical care nurses (CCNs) play a pivotal role in early detection and monitoring of IAH; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured educational intervention on CCNs’ knowledge of IAH monitoring in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methodology: A single-group pre–post quasi-experimental study was conducted from January to April 2024 at Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi. Thirty-seven CCNs working in medical and surgical intensive care units completed both pre- and post-intervention assessments. Knowledge was measured using a validated 13-item questionnaire before and after a structured, evidence-based educational session developed according to World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) guidelines. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics. Results: At baseline, all participants demonstrated poor knowledge of IAH monitoring (<60%). Following the educational intervention, 62% achieved good knowledge and 38% demonstrated fair knowledge (p < 0.001). Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 3.64 ± 6.96 at baseline to 79.94 ± 9.03 post-intervention (p < 0.001). Knowledge improvements were consistently observed across demographic subgroups, including age, gender, qualification, work unit, and years of professional experience. Conclusion: The structured educational intervention was associated with a substantial improvement in CCNs’ knowledge of IAH monitoring. These findings highlight the importance of targeted, evidence-based education to address knowledge gaps and support standardized monitoring practices in critical care settings.