Introduction

Hydrocephalus is a common complication among neurological patients and its treatment in acute cases is done through an external ventricular drain catheter that allows monitoring and controlling intracranial hypertension. This study aimed to describe nurses' knowledge retention after an educational intervention on external ventricular drain care.

Materials and methods

A quasi - experimental study with nurses at an adult intensive care unit was conducted in which knowledge retention on the topic was evaluated at three different stages: before training, one week after training, and three months after training.

Results

Significant retention was observed after one week but not after three months, given the fact that after this time, the score of correct answers versus the number of questions was significantly lower than in the previous phases. Participants showed better performance at device handling issues.

Discussion

Time is a factor that interferes with learning as studies show that knowledge at three months significantly decreases and after six months and one year almost completely decreases. Practical behaviors based on assistance guidelines have better retention among professionals, emphasizing that it is easier to learn technical skills associated with professional experience.

Conclusions

Significant knowledge retention was observed among professionals in the first week after training but not after three months.

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