EFFECTIVENESS OF PROCESS MAPPING FOR LABORATORY CRITICAL VALUES NOTIFICATION ON NURSES’ COMPETENCY

Author Name: Mrs. Uma maheswari R, Dr. D. Sasikala

Volume: 04/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/03.2026-57771632/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Tutor, Fundamental of Nursing Department, Apollo college of nursing, Chennai.
2. HOD Fundamental of Nursing Department, Apollo college of nursing, Chennai.

ABSTRACT

Background: Critical values in laboratory reports represent life-threatening abnormalities that demand immediate clinical attention. Nurses play a crucial role in recognizing and communicating these critical results promptly to ensure patient safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a process mapping–based educational intervention on nurses’ competency in laboratory critical value notification. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design was adopted among 80 ward nurses from tertiary care hospital. Hospital, Chennai. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling and divided equally into control and intervention groups. The data were collected using Baseline data on demographic variables and competency (knowledge and skill) related to critical value notification were collected using validated tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Post-intervention, nurses in the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge (mean difference = 3.15, p < 0.001) and moderate improvement in skills compared to the control group. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between knowledge and skill levels in both groups. Attendance in continuing nursing education (CNE) sessions was significantly associated with overall competency (p < 0.001). Most participants found the process mapping method acceptable and beneficial for clinical application. Conclusion: The findings confirmed that process mapping is an effective educational strategy for enhancing nurses’ knowledge and skills in laboratory critical value notification. Incorporating process mapping into routine training can promote better competency, faster communication, and improved patient safety outcomes.

Key words: Critical value notification, Process Mapping, Competency, Nurses, Instructional program