Educational interventions on preventing pressure injuries targeted at nurses: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Although preventable, pressure injuries are commonly observed in the hospital setting and are estimated to be the third most costly condition, after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Nurses play a crucial role in the prevention and management of pressure injuries, however, published evidence on the effectiveness of educational interventions, directed specifically at nurses in the hospital environment, is scarce. The authors retrieved published studies on the subject from selected databases (Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library) in a number of languages (Portuguese, English, French and Spanish). The search yielded randomised controlled trials, as well as quasi-experimental and comparative studies. In total, 11 studies were selected. The outcomes analysed, following some type of educational intervention, included the attitudes and knowledge of the nursing professionals, as well as the incidence of pressure injuries. The present study demonstrated that different educational strategies can help prevent pressure injuries in the hospital environment.