Knowledge Of Pressure Ulcer Prevention Research Articles

Pressure Injury Knowledge and Attitudes of Senior Nursing Students.

To describe the pressure injury (PI) knowledge and attitudes of senior nursing students (SNSs). This study used a descriptive and cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of SNSs involved in a nursing program in the Aegean region of Turkey. The authors collected data using a student information form, the Turkish version of the Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention instrument, and the Turkish version of the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument. One hundred seventy SNSs were included; 50% had experience preventing PI, 14.1% had provided care to patients with PIs, and 21.2% had staged PIs. The SNSs' average PI prevention knowledge score was 13.06 ± 2.94 (50.3% correct), and only 20.5% (n = 35) of the SNSs answered questions at an acceptable proficiency level (60%). The mean Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention score of the SNSs was 39.38 ± 2.73 (75.7% correct). The results of the research indicated that the SNSs' knowledge about preventing PI was insufficient, although their attitudes toward PI prevention were positive. Because adequate training on PI is important for patient care, students' knowledge deficiencies regarding PIs should be identified and addressed.

The knowledge and attitude on the prevention of pressure ulcers in Chinese nurses: A cross-sectional study in 93 tertiary and secondary hospitals.

Although pressure ulcers are related to substantial health burdens, they may be preventable. Since nurses play a fundamental role in pressure ulcer prevention, their knowledge and attitude are of great importance. This study aims to investigate the current situation and associated factors of nurses' knowledge and attitude on the prevention of pressure ulcers from both tertiary and secondary hospitals. A total of 11 347 nurses were recruited including 7108 nurses (62.6%) from tertiary hospitals and 4239 nurses (37.4%) from secondary hospitals. The median (interquartile range) of the pressure ulcer knowledge score was 51% (38%, 90%) for all the participants with the lowest scores on prevention of pressure ulcers (51.33%). The mean (standard deviation) of attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention was 39.64 (4.65) with the lowest scores on personal competency to prevent pressure ulcers (mean 3.09). The results of multivariate linear regression showed that hospital level, nurses' age, years of work experience, initial education level at work and time of last training significantly associated with nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. Meanwhile, hospital level, job title, previous training, time of last training and subjective needs for further training had significant association with nurses' attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention (all p < 0.05). Results showed inadequate knowledge but relative positive attitudes in nurses indicating the importance to deliver continuing education and training regarding pressure ulcer prevention in practice to improve the quality of care.

Impact of educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention: A pilot study

Background: Professional nurses are saddled with a unique role in patient's skincare among hospitalized patients. Inadequate nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment (PURA) and prevention as a major contributory factor to development of pressure ulcer among “at risk” patients has been identified by previous studies. Aim: To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention at a tertiary hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A pilot study with sample size of 26 nurses selected through simple random sampling technique from selected nursing units of the facility. Data collection was done through a structured questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested with inferential statistics using t-test. Results were presented in descriptive statistics and charts. Level of significance was p-value &lt;0.05. Results: Almost all participants’ knowledge mean score of PURA increased from 4.92 ±1.26 at pre-test to 14.00 ± 0.71 at post-test (p&lt;0.001). Also, knowledge mean score of pressure ulcer prevention improved among intervention group (14.00 ± 0.707) post educational intervention as compared to their counterparts in control group (11.85±1.41). Educational intervention was statistically significant with participants’ knowledge of PURA and prevention (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed that educational intervention was impactful positively on nurses’ knowledge regarding PURA and prevention strategies at UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria. Thus, a structured educational program on the subject matter is needed to promote quality nursing care delivery according to international best practices among Nigerian nurses.

Nurse's Knowledge Regarding Pressure Ulcer Prevention among Critical Patients in Intensive Care Unit at Governmental Hospitals in Gaza Strip

This study aimed to assess nurse's knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention in governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip. This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical design. The sample of the study consisted of 116 ICU nurses from five governmental hospitals. For data collection, the researcher used a self-administrated questionnaire and Observation Checklist. Results showed that the study population were males (73.3%) and 26.7% were females. Moreover, (62.1%) of the study population had less than 5 years of experience in the ICU. There were no statistical significant differences between means in knowledge related to gender, age, educational level, and hospitals. The study concluded that intensive care nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention was above moderate. The study recommended the need to provide sufficient numbers of qualified nurses in intensive care departments and urged nurses to attend training courses on safety standards for the prevention of pressure ulcers among patients.

Effects of PechaKucha presentation about prevention of pressure injury on knowledge of elderly care department students: a randomized controlled study

Background: PechaKucha (PK) is a presentation technique that uses visual and narrative presentations consisting of 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the PK presentation on elderly care department students’ knowledge about pressure injury prevention. Methods: This study used a single-blinded randomized control trial. Elderly care department students were randomized to the PK presentation technique (intervention group) and traditional PowerPoint presentations only (control group). The sample of the study consisted of 54 (intervention group = 28, control group = 26) elderly care department students. Data was collected using the Sociodemographic Form and the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI). PUPKAI was administered before the presentations (pre-test), after the presentations (post-test 1), and 4 weeks after the presentations (post-test 2). Results: Following the presentations, the intervention group's PUPKAI mean score (47.23 ± 11.62) was significantly higher than the control group's mean score (36.64 ± 12.41) (P &lt; .05). Four weeks after completing the education, the intervention group's mean PUPKAI score (43.11 ± 13.72) was significantly higher than the control group's mean score (36.46 ± 12.76) (P &lt; .05). Conclusion: The knowledge level of the elderly care department students was found to be below the satisfactory level. It was determined that the PK presentation increased the knowledge level of the students regarding pressure injury prevention.

Nurses, Knowledge And Practice towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Governmental Hospitals in Akre District, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues brought on by pressure, shear, or friction, it generally develops over a bony prominence and manifests as either an open sore or a non-healing wound. The study sought to evaluate nurses' knowledge and practices regarding pressure ulcer prevention in the Akre district of Iraq. A cross-sectional study including 114 eligible nurses from two general hospitals was undertaken from July 26 to August 28, 2022.The study's participants were chosen using a convenience sampling technique. The knowledge and practice of nurses were evaluated using a structured questionnaire that had been adopted. To evaluate connections between knowledge and practice, descriptive statistics, tables, Chi-Square tests, and Fisher's exact tests were performed using SPSS version 26. Among all nurses involved in this study, (74.6%) had acceptable cores of pressure ulcer prevention knowledge, and (75.4%) had acceptable practice. The findings of this study showed that respondents had enough information about pressure ulcer prevention, which may have contributed to their acceptable conduct (p&gt; 0.05). The working setting had a significant association with nurses’ knowledge and practices. Also, nurses’ practices were significantly associated with job satisfaction and heavy workload. Nurses’ pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and practice in this study were satisfactory. Increasing training frequency in public hospitals can help improve a thorough understanding of pressure ulcers among nurses in the Kurdistan region, Iraq

A systematic review of caregivers' knowledge and related factors towards pressure ulcer prevention.

This systematic review aimed to examine the knowledge of caregivers regarding pressure ulcer (PU) prevention. A thorough, methodical search was conducted from the earliest date to February 1, 2023 using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "Caregivers", "Knowledge", and "Pressure ulcer" in various international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database. The quality of the studies included in this systematic review was evaluated using an appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). In total, 927 caregivers participated in the eight studies. The average age of the participants was 40.50 (SD=12.67). Among the participants, 61.87% were women. The average caregiver's knowledge of PU prevention was 53.70 (SD=14.09) out of 100, which suggests a moderate level of knowledge. Factors such as level of education, age, occupation, information about PUs, attitude, and practice had a significant positive relationship with caregivers' knowledge related to the prevention of PUs. Knowledge had a significantly negative relationship with age. In addition, marital status, type of relationship, age, gender, occupation, level of education, and inpatient wards had a significant relationship with caregivers' knowledge regarding PUs prevention. Therefore, managers and policymakers in the medical field can help increase caregivers' knowledge by providing an online or in-person educational platform relevant to PU prevention.

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF B.Sc. NURSING STUDENTS REGARDING PREVENTION OF PRESSURE ULCERS IN SELECTED NURSING COLLEGES OF KASHMIR

Title: A study to assess the knowledge and attitude of B.Sc. Nursing Students regarding prevention of Pressure Ulcers in selected Nursing Colleges of Kashmir. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding prevention of pressure ulcers among B.Sc. Nursing Students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. With the non-probability consecutive sampling 60 study participants from B.Sc. Nursing 2nd and 3rd year were selected. Tool used in this study included three sections, Section-I including demographic Performa of students such as age, gender, area of residence and family type. Section-II including standardized Pressure ulcer knowledge assessment tool with 25 item questionnaire on knowledge and prevention of pressure ulcers. Section-III including standardized Likert Scale to assess attitude regarding prevention of pressure ulcers Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical technique. Result: The data analysis revealed that the majority of study subjects 68.3% had poor knowledge and 83.3% of study subjects have neutral attitude, regarding prevention of pressure ulcers. Conclusion: The study concluded that study subjects had average knowledge and neutral attitude regarding prevention of pressure ulcers and there should be more awareness regarding prevention of pressure ulcers which can be achieved by giving more knowledge to students regarding prevention of pressure ulcers. All specialized nursing courses should cover pressure ulcer prevention issues in order to provide better knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention to students. To advance nursing knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention in Jammu Kashmir, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the course material of pressure ulcer prevention in the nursing curriculum.

Effect of Intervention Training on Nurses’ Knowledge of Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Prevention at a Tertiary Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Despite advances in healthcare, inadequate knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment (PURA) and prevention strategies among nurses as a major contributory factor to development of pressure ulcers among “at risk” patients has been identified by previous studies. Aim: This study evaluated effect of intervention training on nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention strategies at University College Hospital, (UCH) Nigeria. Methods: A randomized controlled trials research design. Sample size was 268 (134 participants each in intervention and control groups) nurses selected through simple random and systematic sampling techniques. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Level of significance set at p-value &lt;0.05. Results: Mean ages of participants were 42.45±8.89 and 38.81±10.56 years for intervention and control groups respectively. Almost all participants in intervention group during pre-test had adequate knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment, and pressure ulcers prevention strategies compared to during pre-test in which poor knowledge of those areas was recorded among majority of them. Also, adequate knowledge of pressure ulcers prevention strategies was observed among intervention group after the training as compared to control group in which poor knowledge was recorded. Furthermore, intervention training was highly statistically significant with all studied domains at p&lt;0.001. Conclusion: The intervention training on nurses’ knowledge regarding PURA and prevention strategies was positive at a high rate. Regular training programs on the subject matter for all nurse clinicians to promote quality nursing care according to international best practices is crucial.

Impact of pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and attitude on the care performance of long-term care facility care workers: a cross-sectional multicenter study

BackgroundThe Long-Term Care Insurance Act in the Republic of Korea has enabled the elderly population to receive benefits through the long-term care system since July 2008. Because one nurse or nursing assistant is assigned to 25 elderly persons and one care worker is assigned to 2.5 elderly persons in long-term care facilities, registered nurses should educate care workers to participate in pressure ulcer prevention activities. This descriptive study investigated the effect of the knowledge and attitude related to pressure ulcer prevention on care performance.MethodsData were collected from February 20 to December 15, 2021 using a structured questionnaire targeting 165 care workers in four long-term care facilities located in I-city and Y-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The questionnaires of the knowledge, attitude, and care performance developed for nurses were modified to survey the care workers. The content validity was verified on a 4-point scale by 10 clinical experts. A preliminary survey was conducted for 30 care workers, and the contents of the modified questionnaire were further revised. Data analyses were performed by t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a multiple linear regression modeling using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program.ResultsCare performance on pressure ulcer prevention had a significant positive correlation with knowledge (r = 0.692, p < .001), attitude (r = 0.426, p < .001), work experience (r = 0.760, p < .001), amount of experience (r = 0.712, p < .001), and the number of training sessions received (r = 0.551, p < .001). In multiple regression modeling, work experience (β [standardized coefficient beta] = 0.534, p = .000), knowledge (β = 0.323, p = .000), and attitude (β = 0.103, p = .049) related to pressure ulcer prevention were identified as variables significantly affecting care performance. The regression model explained 65.4% with 5 independent variables.ConclusionTo prevent bedsores in long-term care facilities, it is necessary to educate care workers regularly about pressure ulcer prevention. In addition, clinical guidelines could help standardize the pressure ulcer prevention work of caregivers, strongly regulating their practice in all long-term care facilities and monitoring bedsore prevention regularly.

Physiotherapists' knowledge on pressure ulcer prevention.

Pressure ulcers can develop in bedridden or immobile patients which physiotherapists frequently encounter. Although physiotherapists receive training for preventing pressure ulcers, there is limited evidence of physiotherapists' knowledge level. Our study evaluated physiotherapists' pressure ulcer prevention knowledge. The level of knowledge for pressure ulcer prevention was inquired with the Turkish version of the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI-T). Two hundred and sixty-five physiotherapists participated in our study. The median PUPKAI-T total score ranged from 8 to 21. Only two physiotherapists (0.8%) got good points from the questionnaire. The highest score was Nutrition (Theme 4; 59.2%), and the lowest score belonged to the contact preventive interventions that reduce pressure/shearing (Theme 5; 26.7%). The question with the lowest success rate was the positioning question of Theme 5 (Question 2; 12.5%). In our study, physiotherapists' pressure ulcer prevention knowledge was evaluated with a relatively high number of participants compared to the literature. These results brought to mind that training programs that specifically emphasise techniques to prevent pressure ulcers and positioning manoeuvres to be organised increase the knowledge level of physiotherapists.

The knowledge and attitudes regarding pressure ulcer prevention among healthcare support workers in the UK: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPressure ulcers cause significant, detrimental effects on personal wellbeing. They represent a serious health and social care burden. Nurses and those working in support roles are primarily accountable for preventing pressure ulcers. Healthcare support workers are an expanding group of key workers in the UK. ObjectiveTo examine healthcare support workers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding pressure ulcer prevention. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021, using Knowledge and Attitudes toward Pressure Ulcer Prevention Assessment Tool. ResultsA total of 164 participants completed the questionnaire fully. A low mean knowledge score of 0.42 ± 0.14, but a positive attitude score of 0.76 ± 0.10 per item were reported. The weakest areas of knowledge include aetiology, risk assessment and addressing pressure-reducing interventions for patients at risk. Higher mean scores per item in knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention were reported in participants working in acute hospital wards and nursing homes (0.468 ± 0.15, 0.47 ± 0.08 respectively) than those in other settings (p < 0.05). Participants working in primary care scored lowest (0.33 ± 0.12). The scores of participants with more positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention significantly correlated with higher score of knowledge (p < 0.005). ConclusionWhile positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention exist among healthcare support workers, this is overshadowed by significant knowledge deficits. Findings highlight the importance of continuing structured education for support workers across both acute and community settings. A future national survey and interventional study are needed to examine support workers’ pressure ulcer knowledge and to inform a national continuous education strategy.

Nurses' knowledge on pressure ulcer prevention: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool.

BackgroundPressure ulcers (PUs) are an indicator of the quality of nursing care and nurses can prevent PUs well if they have sufficient knowledge. Numerous studies in this field have reported different results. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled score of nurses' knowledge about PU prevention based on the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT).MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, databases including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus were searched. All studies published in English between 2011 and 2022 that reported the status of nurses' knowledge of PU prevention based on PUKAT were included in the analysis. Based on heterogeneity between the studies, the data were analyzed using a random effects model.ResultsThe pooled scores of PU prevention knowledge in nurses and nursing students were (51.5%; 95% CI: 45.8–57.2%) and (48.9%; 95% CI: 42.5–55.2%), respectively. As the age of the participants increased, the pooled score of pressure ulcer prevention knowledge increased significantly (p = 0.028). The publication bias was not significant. The highest and lowest knowledge scores in nurses and nursing students were related to the fourth dimension (nutrition) and the fifth dimension (preventive measures to reduce the amount of pressure/shear), respectively.ConclusionKnowledge of nurses and nursing students about PU prevention is insufficient. Providing regular training to nurses and including the principles of PU prevention in the curriculum of nursing students to improve their knowledge seems necessary.

Evaluating Nurses' Knowledge of Pressure Injury Prevention: A Descriptive Study.

To evaluate nurses' knowledge on pressure injury (PI) prevention. Four hundred six nurses in Turkey participated in this descriptive study between January and February 2020. Participants completed an information form and the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI). The PUPKAI contains 26 items across six themes: (1) development, (2) classification and observation, (3) risk assessment, (4) nutrition, (5) interventions to reduce the amount of pressure/rupture, and (6) interventions to reduce the duration of pressure/rupture. The mean age of the nurses was 26.93 ± 6.72 years. The mean total PUPKAI score was 11.80 ± 3.28. Almost all participants (91.6%) had insufficient knowledge on PI prevention. Male nurses scored higher on themes 1 and 2 than female nurses (P = .046, P = .029, respectively). Nurses with a postgraduate degree scored higher in total and on themes 2, 3, 5, and 6 (P = .001, P = .006, P = .011, P = .044, P = .029, respectively), and nurses with more than 10 years of service scored higher in total and on themes 4, 5, and 6 (P = .001, P = .002, P = .001, P = .026, respectively). The nurses who participated in this study do not have enough knowledge on PI prevention.

Pressure ulcer prevention knowledge, practices, and their associated factors among nurses in Gurage Zone Hospitals, South Ethiopia, 2021.

A pressure ulcer is a localized skin injury and underlying tissue, usually as a result of friction or pressure against the surface of the skin. The global mortality rate of pressure ulcers was above 60% for hospitalized patients who wait 1 year of hospital stay. Nurses are the primary responsible body and forefront line care providers for the prevention of pressure ulcers, so nurses’ knowledge and practices are the major rollers to handling this preventable problem.Objective:To assess pressure ulcer prevention knowledge, practices, and their associated factors among nurses in Gurage Zone Hospitals, South Ethiopia, 2021.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gurage Zone hospitals from May to June 2021. Data were collected using a structured self-administered paper questionnaire from 372 participants using a simple random sampling procedure, and the collected data were checked for their completeness and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis.Results:In this study, 176 (49%) of nurses have good knowledge and 210 (58.5 %) of nurses have good practices. Variables having masters and above (adjusted odds ratio = 2.075; confidence interval: 1.886, 4.861), using guideline (adjusted odds ratio = 1.617; confidence interval: 1.017, 2.572), and cooperativeness of patients (1.859; confidence interval: 1.066, 3.242) was significantly associated with nurses prevention knowledge. Being divorced (adjusted odds ratio = 3.002; confidence interval: 1.023, 4.219), degree nurse (adjusted odds ratio = 2.639; confidence interval: 1.388, 3.051), workload (adjusted odds ratio = 0.480; confidence interval: 0.245–0.939), unproportioned nurse to patient ratio (adjusted odds ratio = 0.480; confidence interval: 0.158–0.747), patient cooperativeness (adjusted odds ratio = 1.859; confidence interval: 1.066–3.242), and nurses having good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 1.684; confidence interval: 1.078–2.632) statistically significant with prevention practices.Conclusion:The overall level of pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and practice of nurses were good. Qualification of nurses’ degree and above, use of pressure ulcer prevention guidelines, over workload, unproportionate nurse-to-patient ratio, and patient cooperativeness were statistically significant factors for pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and practices. Therefore, health managers should provide continuous professional development, and ensure proportionated nurse-to-patient ratio allocation policy.

Student Nurse Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Pressure Injury Prevention: How Sufficient Is Undergraduate Education?

To assess the knowledge and attitudes of student nurses regarding evidence-based guidelines for preventing pressure injuries. This study used a descriptive research design. The participants included second-, third-, and fourth-year nursing students completing their bachelor's degrees at a faculty of nursing in Turkey. Data collection forms consisted of a student nurse information form, the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument, and the Attitude Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument. The overall mean score for knowledge was 49.9% (11.7/26). The highest scores for the instrument's subthemes were for nutrition (72%), and the lowest were for etiology and development (40.1%). The overall mean attitude score was 42.20 ± 2.40, although a statistically significant difference among grades was found (P < .001). The highest mean scores showed agreement among students that pressure injury prevention should be a priority (10.50 ± 1.43). A significant difference was found in the competence subscale according to the number of dressing changes observed and sense of competence in pressure injury care (P = .003). A weak but statistically significant positive relationship was found between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.158; 95% confidence interval, .040-.269; P < .001). This study revealed that certain revisions are needed in the nursing curriculum to improve the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students toward the prevention and care of pressure injuries. More details should be covered in the classroom and laboratories through simulation or clinical practice for improved management of pressure injuries.

Attitudes of nursing staff towards pressure ulcer prevention in primary and specialised health care: A correlational cross-sectional study.

The aim of this correlational, cross‐sectional study was to assess the pressure ulcer prevention attitudes of the nursing staff and to identify factors associated with it both in primary and special health care. The study was conducted with nursing staff (N = 554) working in primary and special health care units in two hospital districts in Finlandin 2018 to 2019. Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention instrument was used for data collection. Demographic data, Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge test, and Pressure Ulcer Prevention Practice instrument were used as background variables. Data were analysed with statistical tests. Nursing staff working in primary care (n = 327) had more positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention than those in specialised care (n = 209; P = .047). Working as a wound care nurse (P = .0005), working experience after graduation (P = .0017), self‐reported pressure ulcer prevention and early detection skills (P < .0001), pressure ulcer prevention knowledge (P = .0002), and views about the realisation of their unit's pressure ulcer prevention practices (P < .0001) independently explained variation in participants' attitudes. Attention should be placed on the pressure ulcer prevention attitudes of nurses who are less experienced or less skilled and who have lower pressure ulcer prevention knowledge. Positive organisational culture towards evidence‐based pressure ulcer prevention practices should be promoted.

Factors determining nurses' knowledge of evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention practices in Finland: a correlational cross-sectional study.

Pressure ulcers cause economic burden, human suffering, pain and decreased health-related quality of life in patients. Pressure ulcers are preventable in most cases, and nursing staff knowledge is a key factor in successful pressure ulcer prevention. Further evidence is needed to better tailor pressure ulcer prevention training programmes to the nursing staff. To evaluate the level of nursing staff knowledge about evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention practices in both primary and specialised care, and to identify what factors determine nurses' knowledge levels. A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 in two hospital districts in Finland. The Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge test was used to collect data, and the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention (APuP) instrument was used as a background variable. The data were statistically analysed with Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlations and multiple linear regression. The pressure ulcer prevention knowledge of the participating registered nurses, practical nurses and ward managers (N=554) was on average 24.40 (max. 35.00). There was no difference in the participants' knowledge based on the type of unit in which they were working (primary or specialised care). The participants' attitudes (p<0.0001), current position (p=0.0042), frequency of taking care of patients with pressure ulcers (p=0.0001) and self-evaluated training needs (p<0.0001) independently explained the variation in the knowledge scores. Special attention needs to be paid to the knowledge of those nurses working in positions that require lower levels of education and those who rarely take care of patients with pressure ulcers. Supporting nurses' positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention should be an essential part of pressure ulcer prevention training. Nurses' self-evaluations of their training needs can be used to target training. The limitations of the study should be considered when generalising the results.

Patient and lay carer education for preventing pressure ulceration in at-risk populations.

Patient and lay carer education for preventing pressure ulceration in at-risk populations.

Determination of nurses' level of knowledge on the prevention of pressure ulcers: The case of Turkey

Aim of the studyPressure ulcers (PUs) constitute a health issue that has a high prevalence and incidence rate in acute and long-term care, requiring long-term nursing care for treatment and prevention. Therefore, nurses should have adequate knowledge of the interventions and practices used to prevent PUs. Materials and methodsThis study employed a descriptive and cross-sectional design to assess the level of nurses’ knowledge concerning preventive interventions for PUs. Based on data found in the literature, researchers developed a 16-question Participant Information Form (including age, gender, level of education, employed ward, and training on PUs) and used this form, along with the Turkish version of the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI-T), to collect data. ResultsA group of 471 nurses working in two foundation hospitals in 2018 participated in the study by completing a questionnaire. Among the participants, 44.2% worked in surgery, 21.2% in internal medicine, and 34.6% in other wards (such as intensive care, pediatrics, and the operating theater). Most of the nurses(73.5%) held a bachelor's degree, and their average work experience was 7.27 ± 7.00 years. It was determined that 69.4% of the nurses had not received in-service training relating to PUs, 55.6% did not attend lectures/conferences or read articles on the prevention of PUs, and 59.7% rated themselves as “adequate” in interventions used to prevent PUs. Based on the use of PUPKAI-T, 17 individuals (3.6%) scored equal to or more than the 60% cut-off value, and 454 individuals (96.4%) scored less than 60%. The mean level of knowledge on PUs was calculated as 11.1 ± 2.659 (range: 1-18) out of 26 questions. ConclusionsResults of the study showed that the general level of knowledge of nurses in preventing PUs are extremely insufficient. Therefore, various strategies should be developed to increase nurses' level of knowledge on the etiology and development, classification and observation, and risk assessment of PUs, as well as on nutrition plans and preventive interventions.