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A Literature Search Was Carried Out, Based On Selected Guidelines By Khan Et ...


A literature search was carried out, based on selected guidelines by Khan et al (2003), to ascertain the available empirical evidence regarding nurses' nutritional knowledge and attitudes. Databases searched included Academic Search Premier, Medline, Internurse and HighWire Press. Inclusion criteria were as follows: published on or after 1995; focused on nurses; nutrition (enteral, care), and knowledge/attitudes; and written in English; Overall, the review revealed a paucity of research in this area. The few relevant studies that were found were quite different both in their methodology and analytic protocol, as well their primary thesis (e.g. Perry et al, 1997; Kowanko et al, 1999; Warber et al, 2000; Williams & Pinnington, 2003; Schaller & James, 2005).
Knowledge/attitudes of nurses
Many studies have demonstrated that malnutrition is a significant problem amongst hospital patients, but little is known about what nurses actually do, and what factors influence this. Perry (1997) conducted one of the earlier studies on nursing knowledge/attitudes on nutrition. She collected data on nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices from a large NHS Trust in Southern England. Participants comprised 92 nurses who completed and returned a questionnaire. With regards to nutritional attitudes, results showed that a majority (71%) of nurses viewed assessment of patient's nutritional status as their responsibility, and a minority thought this task was the responsibility of doctors (9%) or dieticians (19.5%). Interestingly, the majority of nurses (70.6%) endorsed the idea that it was not necessary to evaluate the nutritional requirements of every patient. However, this view was less likely to be held by more experienced nurses (< 10 years experience), who were more likely to express the view that every patient required nutritional evaluation. The majority accepted it was essential to weigh patients at the point of admission, albeit this view was by no means universal. The nurses held very strong attitudes (both in favour, and against) regarding whether: nutritional care was an essential component of nursing care; a priority; and dependent on medical diagnosis. Participants also provided information about their nutritional care practices. Measures of actual behaviour/activity is essential in a study on attitude, since attitude is a multidimensional construct incorporating not just a persons views, but their actions, and emotions as well (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993). The above study went on to say that nurses were asked about the criteria used for assessing the nutritional status/needs of patients, through the use of questionnaires, up to 17% stated that they used the Waterlow Score, an insufficient measure (Waterlow, 1997).

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