Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42033131›Full record

ArticleNursing in critical care2026

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards ECG Interpretation Among Intensive Care Nurses: A Greek Cross-Sectional Study.

Lampros Skaliaris, George Kipourgos, Evangelia Andreopoulou, Angeliki Gkotsi, Eleni Albani, Anastasios Tzenalis

Abstract read
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Article in Nursing in critical care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Lampros SkaliarisIntensive Care Unit, European Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7520-3684
George KipourgosSurgical Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5538-5548
Evangelia AndreopoulouSurgical Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4410-4920
Angeliki GkotsiHaemodynamic Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9260-3396
Eleni AlbaniNursing Department, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9698-8276
Anastasios TzenalisNursing Department, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6853-8953

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTimely recognition of cardiac arrhythmias is essential in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a core component of nursing practice, yet international studies show persistent gaps. In Greece, limited evidence exists regarding ICU nurses' interpretation, educational preparedness and role perception in ECG interpretation.

aimThe aim of this study was to evaluate ICU nurses' knowledge, attitudes and self-perceived preparedness regarding ECG interpretation and to investigate whether these outcomes were associated with demographic and professional characteristics. STUDY

designA descriptive, cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among ICU nurses in Greece between October 2024 and February 2025. The instrument included demographic variables, 10 true/false knowledge items and 10 Likert-scale attitude items. Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.81-0.87). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05).

resultsA total of 100 ICU nurses participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 6.1 ± 1.8/10, with high accuracy on basic items (88%) but low performance on complex patterns (24%). Prior ECG training was the only independent predictor of adequate knowledge (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.12-7.26, p = 0.028). The mean attitude score was 38.4 ± 6.2/50; although 96% recognised ECG interpretation as essential, 49% reported limited knowledge. Positive attitudes were linked to prior training, ICU experience and frequency of ECG evaluation, whereas 25% expressed ambiguity about whether ECG interpretation falls within nursing responsibilities.

conclusionsICU nurses demonstrated moderate theoretical ECG knowledge but variable preparedness and role clarity. Prior training, ICU type and clinical experience were key determinants. Standardised, simulation-based training and clearer responsibility delineation could strengthen cardiac monitoring safety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Targeted ECG education and explicit clarification of nurses' responsibilities in cardiac monitoring are essential to strengthen arrhythmia recognition and timely intervention in ICUs. Implementing structured training pathways and ongoing assessment of ECG interpretation skills may support safer cardiac monitoring practices and more autonomous, confident intensive care nursing.

Indexed as

Arrhythmias, CardiacClinical CompetenceCritical Care NursingElectrocardiographyHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeAdultAttitude of Health PersonnelCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleGreeceHumansIntensive Care UnitsMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and Questionnairesclinical competencecritical care educationECG interpretationintensive care nursingpatient safety

Identifiers

PMID42033131
PMCPMC13109745

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.