Assessing the Management of Gastric Bleeding: Survey of Nursing Professionals at a Tertiary Care Hospital

This study aims to gather insights from nursing professionals involved in managing gastric bleeding to identify strengths and areas for improvement in current practices, ultimately informing the development of enhanced protocols for care management and interdepartmental transfers.

A survey was conducted targeting registered nurses working in the endoscopy department at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada. The survey assessed nursing experiences and perceptions regarding the management of gastric bleeding, protocol availability, and communication practices between endoscopy and interventional radiology departments. A total of 26 responses were analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of current practices.

Respondents highlighted that while most nurses are trained to recognize early signs of gastric bleeding, there are no established protocols for managing such cases or for transferring care between departments. The average satisfaction rating for existing management protocols was 5.6 out of 10, indicating significant room for improvement. Key challenges identified included inconsistent emergency protocols, lack of standardized training, and inadequate resources during patient transfers. Effective communication was rated highly (8/10) within teams, yet transfer processes were marked by insufficient documentation quality (5/10). Respondents emphasized the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and having established protocols to enhance patient safety and care coordination.

The findings reveal critical gaps in the management of gastric bleeding, particularly concerning protocol establishment and interdepartmental communication. By addressing these gaps and fostering a standardized approach to training and patient care processes, we can improve outcomes for patients experiencing gastric bleeding during endoscopic procedures. Future work will focus on developing and implementing evidence-based protocols to enhance the preparedness and efficacy of nursing staff in managing these complex situations.

Conflicts of Interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025