O'Sullivan TA, Jayasuriya PH, Tsalis N, Calogero N, Manocha R. Nurses' understanding and management of iron deficiency in Australia: a cross-sectional, exploratory study.
BMJ Open 2023;
13:e065706. [PMID:
36806134 PMCID:
PMC9944295 DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065706]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To assess the experiences and knowledge of nurses in the area of iron deficiency.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional, exploratory study using online survey.
SETTING
Data were collected from nurses working at various primary, secondary and tertiary Australian health practices and organisations.
PARTICIPANTS
Australian nurses currently in practice.
METHOD
Australian nurses currently in practice were invited to complete an online survey about their work background, personal experiences with iron deficiency and iron-deficiency identification and treatment. The survey included a nine-item questionnaire to assess knowledge of iron-deficiency risk factors and biochemistry.
RESULTS
A total of 534 eligible nurses participated in the survey. Participants were more likely to be female, aged 55-64 years, and working in general practice. Just under half (45.1%) reported being diagnosed with iron deficiency themselves. Unusual fatigue or tiredness was the most frequent symptom that alerted nurses to potential iron deficiency in patients (reported by 91.9% of nurses). Nurses who had participated in formal training around iron deficiency in the last 5 years demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge score (4.2±2.1) compared with those who had not or were not sure about their formal training status (3.7±1.9, p=0.035). Knowledge around the understanding of functional iron deficiency was limited.
CONCLUSIONS
Nurses report personal experiences of iron deficiency and show good knowledge of symptoms, demonstrating the potential for them to take a leading role in managing iron deficiency in patients. Educational programmes are required to address knowledge gaps and should be offered via various methods to accommodate a diverse nurse cohort. Our research highlights the potential for an expanded scope of practice for nurses in the primary care setting in the area of iron deficiency.
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