Pediatric Nurse and Pharmacist Knowledge of Acute Kidney Injury

OBJECTIVES In this study, we assessed the knowledge and experience of pediatric pharmacists and nurses at a US tertiary-care pediatric center regarding the risk factors for, recognition of, and best practices for managing an acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. METHODS The authors developed a survey to assess the attitudes and knowledge of nurses and pharmacists regarding AKI in hospitalized children, which was reviewed by a small multidisciplinary group for content and length. The final 16-item survey consisted of demographic, self-assessment and attitude, and knowledge questions. All pediatric pharmacists and nurses at the study site received a voluntary online survey via e-mail. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. RESULTS A survey was sent to 620 nurses and 50 pharmacists; 148 (25%) and 22 (44%), respectively, completed it. Most respondents were CONCLUSIONS Although pediatric nurses and pharmacists have knowledge of AKI prevention and mitigation, gaps exist, and there is a desire for education in recognition of their key roles in the clinical team.