Community Nurses' Experiences Assessing Early-Stage Pressure Injuries in People With Dark Skin Tones: A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis.

Abstract

To examine community nurses' experiences of caring for people with dark skin tones at high risk of developing a pressure injury. Qualitative descriptive design. Focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted among registered nurses working in the community between November 2023 and March 2024. Thematic analysis was used. The findings reveal the lack of nurse education on diverse skin tones, how community nurses gain knowledge on skin tone diversity in the context of pressure injuries and the topics community nurses believe are crucial to improve the management of pressure injuries in patients with dark skin tones. The study highlights the gap in nurse education regarding diverse skin tones, revealing how community nurses acquire knowledge related to pressure injuries in patients with dark skin tones. This research could inform the development of targeted educational programmes and training initiatives, ultimately preventing patient harm and enhancing the quality of care and health outcomes for patients with dark skin tones. It provides valuable insights into key topics that community nurses consider essential for improving the early recognition and management of pressure injuries in people with darker skin tones. The research adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. A project steering group contributed to the concept of the study and checked the interview questions were relevant and suitable.