Knowledge levels and evidence-based nursing attitudes of nurses working in surgical clinics regarding the pre-operative fasting period

KNOWLEDGE LEVELS OF NURSES WORKING IN SURGICAL CLINICS ABOUT PREOPERATIVE FASTING PERIOD AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING Kuştan D. Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Institute of Health Sciences, Surgical Diseases Nursing Master Thesis Program, Master Thesis, Aydın, 2024. Objective: This study aimed to measure the knowledge levels of nurses working in surgical clinics regarding preoperative fasting periods and to examine their attitudes towards evidence-based nursing. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted analytically and cross-sectionally between February 2024 and July 2024. Out of a total of 329 nurses working in the surgical clinics of Aydın State Hospital, Aydın Atatürk State Hospital, and Aydın Adnan Menderes University Application and Research Hospital, 221 nurses were included in the study with a 5% margin of error and a 99% confidence interval. Data were collected using data collection forms prepared by the researchers and the Evidence-Based Nursing Attitude Scale, whose Turkish validity and reliability were confirmed by Yasemin Ayhan Öncü. Findings: Significant data obtained through statistical analyses were reported. According to the results of the ANOVA test, knowledge levels regarding preoperative fasting periods showed significant differences based on age groups and educational levels of the nurses (p<0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences in knowledge levels according to work positions (p<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between knowledge levels and positive attitudes towards evidence-based nursing (r=0.45, p<0.001). The unnecessary nature of prolonged fasting protocols and the benefits of shorter fasting periods were supported by literature-based data. It was noted that most participants adhered to traditional protocols; however, an increase in knowledge levels was observed when access to scientific guidelines was provided. Conclusion and Recommendations: The importance of educational programs aimed at enhancing the knowledge levels of nurses was emphasized, and the dissemination of shorter fasting protocols was recommended. These suggestions aim to improve the quality of patient care and reduce postoperative complications. Keywords: Preoperative Fasting Period, Evidence-Based Nursing