Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Patient’s Perioperative Pressure Injury Prevention among the Operating Room Personnel of Medical Teaching Institutions, Peshawar

Abstract

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs), particularly perioperative pressure injuries (ORPIs), pose significant challenges in patient care, leading to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Despite established guidelines, the incidence of ORPIs remains a concern, underlining the need for improved prevention strategies within the operating room setting. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding perioperative pressure injury prevention among operating room personnel in medical teaching institutions in Peshawar, Pakistan, to identify knowledge gaps and areas for intervention. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over four months, from June to October 2023, involving 264 operating room personnel from three major medical teaching institutions in Peshawar. Participants included nurses, surgeons, and surgical technicians/technologists. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and the KoboCollect mobile application, covering sociodemographic information, and KAP related to perioperative pressure injury prevention. The study employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients for data analysis, utilizing IBM-SPSS version 27 and Microsoft Excel 365. Results: The study revealed a mean knowledge score of 66.02% (SD = 18.99), with 44.3% of participants displaying low knowledge levels (<69%). Attitudes towards pressure injury prevention were predominantly positive, with an average score of 78.17% (SD = 10.38). Practice levels were moderate, with an average score of 79.43% (SD = 10.59), and 54.9% of respondents engaging in high-level practices (≥80%). Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and education (p=<0.001), and between practice levels and both age (p=0.01) and professional role (p=0.006). Conclusion: The study highlights a critical gap in knowledge regarding perioperative pressure injury prevention among operating room personnel, despite positive attitudes and moderately high practice levels. Addressing this gap through tailored educational programs and policy interventions is crucial for enhancing patient care and preventing ORPIs.