Task shifting in dermatology: Are nurses prepared and willing?

Abstract

Background: The high burden of skin diseases and the shortage of dermatologists are significant challenges in providing care to millions of people with skin diseases. Task shifting to nurses is a viable option for the delivery of dermatologic care in resource-poor settings. Satisfactory knowledge and a positive attitude are crucial for nurses to undertake the task of managing common skin diseases. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of registered nurses and their attitude toward common skin conditions. Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a total of 187 nurses were included from a nurses training institute by total enumeration sampling. A knowledge questionnaire and five-point Likert type-attitude scale were developed, validated, and employed to collect data. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants after approval from the institute ethics committee. Results: The mean of the knowledge scores were 10.7 ± 2.2. Nearly two thirds (62%) of the subjects demonstrated a low level of knowledge, while the remaining 38% showed a moderate level. There was no participant in the high-knowledge category. A majority of the nurses demonstrated a favorable attitude toward learning and undertaking the task of managing common skin conditions. Conclusion: We observed a low level of knowledge on diagnosing and managing common skin conditions. We recommend incorporating the relevant concepts of common skin conditions in the nursing curriculum with an emphasis on continuing education.