Overview of ICU Nurses' Knowledge and Need Assessment for Instrument to Detect Sick Building Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) are vulnerable to sick building syndrome (SBS), which can affect their health, performance, and patient safety. Understanding SBS is crucial in healthcare to protect both staff and patients. However, many ICU nurses lack knowledge about this condition and the necessary detection tools.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe ICU nurses' knowledge about SBS and the need of an instrument to detect the signs and symptoms of SBS.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 100 ICU nurses, recruited through simple random sampling from the Critical Care Indonesia Nurse Association. The study focused on nurses' knowledge of SBS and the need for an instrument to detect it. Research instruments included basic respondent characteristics, nurses' knowledge, and the need for an SBS detection tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: The majority of respondents exhibited a good level of knowledge (66%), yet many answered questions incorrectly regarding SBS etiology, symptoms, and effects. This was exemplified by incorrect responses attributing noise and chemicals as causes of SBS, overlooking fatigue as a symptom, and inaccurately assessing the physical effects of SBS. Notably, nurses demonstrated strong knowledge regarding SBS prevention (71%) and treatment (94%). Respondents unanimously supported the necessity of an instrument capable of detecting SBS among ICU nurses (71%), with an electronic instrument being the preferred option over other forms.

CONCLUSION: ICU nurses possess a good level of knowledge about SBS. It is recommended to develop and investigate an electronic-based instrument for detecting SBS. Additionally, implementing an e-learning educational program could further enhance the knowledge and management of SBS among healthcare professionals.