Beyond the drain: exploring nursing expertise in external ventricular drainage management

Introduction: External ventricular drainage (EVD) is critical in managing neurocritical patients. Proper nursing care is essential for infection prevention, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of EVD. This study aims to assess the knowledge among the nursing officers working at a tertiary care neurocritical care center in Sri Lanka regarding the principles and practices of EVD management.
Methodology: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to assess nursing officers' knowledge and practices regarding EVD management. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire designed to evaluate key domains, including EVD function, maintenance, infection prevention, and troubleshooting.
Results: There were 172 nursing officers, their mean age of 30.34 ± 4.98, and the majority (94.2%) were females. Out of the sample, 29% had more than 5 years of clinical experience, and 92.4% had not received formal training on nursing care on EVD.The mean knowledge was 84.45%, and more than 88% had over 75% score.Knowledge was significantly associated with having a formal training in EVD care (p=0.025). 
Conclusion: Most nursing officers in neurocritical care have good knowledge about EVD management. More than 88% scored above 75%. Having formal training would enhance the level of knowledge. This shows that formal training is important to keep improving care for patients with EVD.