Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding the transfer of critically ill surgical patients in university hospitals in Khartoum.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2022 and included 173 critical care surgical nurses at Soba, Ribat, and Bashair Teaching Hospitals. Data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire and an observation checklist developed from literature and nursing guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 to evaluate knowledge, practices, and the influence of socio-demographic factors.
Results: Most nurses demonstrated inadequate knowledge (63.6%), while only 36.4% showed good knowledge. Regarding practice, 71.9% performed poorly, and 28.1% demonstrated satisfactory practice. Documentation of nursing procedures was low (18.5%), and only 29.5% identified transport-related complications. Notably, 82.4% of nurses who performed well had received formal training.
Conclusion: The findings highlight significant gaps in nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding the safe transfer of critically ill surgical patients. Training, standardized protocols, adequate resources, and structured handover systems are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and ensuring safety during transfers.

Key words: Surgical patients, nurses, knowledge, transfer, critical.