Evaluation of the Knowledge of Operating Room Nurses of Preventive Practices for Protection Against COVID-19

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of operating room nurses (ORNs) of preventive practices in terms of protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). DESIGN: This research was a descriptive study. METHODS: About 279 ORNs from 17 provinces of Turkey were included. Data were collected online using Google Form. ORNs were communicated via WhatsApp or other social media platforms and were asked to answer the questionnaire. In the questionnaire, there were 12 questions on descriptive characteristics and 20 statements regarding the knowledge of ORNs on preventive practices for protection against COVID-19. FINDINGS: The rate of yes responses provided by ORNs to statements on preventive practices for protection against COVID-19 was found to be between 10% and 98.6%, whereas the rate of no responses was found to be between 0% and 25.8%. The rate of those stating that they did not have an opinion on statements was found to be between 1.8% and 48.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge of ORNs on protective measures against COVID-19 was quite high. However, there are important issues to consider such as the fact that most ORs do not use an algorithm or guideline for protective practices and that almost half of ORNs had not received training on protection against COVID-19.