Nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention in Turkey

Insights into pressure injury prevention: Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Palestinian nursing students

AIM

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Palestinian nursing students towards pressure injury prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 455 nursing students recruited from Arab American University-Palestine, employing a total population sample. Data collection forms include socio-demographic information, the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool, Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument and Pressure Injury Preventive Practices scale.

RESULTS

The study found that students had a mean knowledge score of 54% (14.04/26), a positive attitude score of 75.8% (39.42/52), and demonstrated a fair level of practice 75.3% (30.12/40). Significant differences were observed in the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice total scores, linked to academic year, clinical experience, and the number of attended departments during clinical training (p < 0.001). Additionally, weak but significant positive relationships were found between practice and attitude scores (r = 0.303, p < 0.001), practice and knowledge score (r = 0.211, p < 0.001), and a moderate positive significant relationship between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.567, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study revealed insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and somewhat unsafe practices among nursing students regarding pressure injury prevention. It highlights the need for specific revisions in the nursing curriculum. Improvements can be achieved through detailed coverage in classrooms and laboratories, integrating simulation methods. Additionally, ensuring that students gain adequate experiences in clinical units, with a specific emphasis on pressure injury prevention, is crucial for improving students' capability and contribute to better pressure injury management.

How nurses perceive the gap between knowledge and practice

BACKGROUND

Identifying nurses' perceptions of the knowledge-practice gap is a critical step toward developing evidence-based practice. Currently, multiple factors contribute to the gap between nursing education and actual practice. Addressing this gap requires a new perspective, not yet adequately represented in the literature, that includes nurses' perceptions.

AIM

This study aims to describe nurses' perceptions of the knowledge-practice gap in the domains of knowledge, practice, environment, and learning. And it analyzes how nurses' professional characteristics are associated with their perceptions of the gap in each of these domains as well as the relationships between the domains themselves.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design. A sample of 513 staff nurses recruited through a convenience sampling technique provided information on professional variables such as education and experience and completed a Likert-scale survey about their perceptions of the knowledge-practice gap.

RESULTS

Their answers were found to vary with educational level and history of workshop attendance. Items from the knowledge domain were positively and significantly correlated with items from the environment and learning domains, which were also positively and significantly correlated with each other. However, the knowledge and practice domains were not significantly correlated. In addition to showing correlations among the major domains (or aspects) of the knowledge-practice gap, the study highlights how nurses' professional characteristics contribute to differences in their perceptions of this gap.

CONCLUSION

These findings can guide hospital-specific measures for bridging the gap. In addition, the scale can be employed by leaders as a tool for the purpose of conducting assessments.

Pressure Injury Knowledge and Attitudes of Senior Nursing Students

OBJECTIVE

To describe the pressure injury (PI) knowledge and attitudes of senior nursing students (SNSs).

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Assessing nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention: an updated systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesise the existing research literature pertaining to nurses' attitudes toward pressure ulcer (PU) prevention.

METHOD

The systematic review presented in our paper serves as an updated version of the definitive review conducted by Avsar et al. in 2019. Using systematic review methodology, we considered published quantitative studies focusing on nurses' attitudes toward PU prevention as measured using psychometric tests. The search was conducted in April 2022, using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane and EMBASE databases, and returned 454 records, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a pre-designed extraction tool and all included studies were quality appraised using the evidence-based librarianship (EBL) appraisal checklist.

RESULTS

In most studies, distinct measurement instruments were used for measuring nurses' attitudes toward the prevention of PUs: the Moore and Price Attitude Scale and the Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (APuP). In this first update, the mean attitude score was 69% (±14%, range: 33.6-89%). A separate analysis of the new studies alone included in this first update (n=14) indicated a mean attitude score of 62.25% (±17.9%; median: 14%), suggesting a 10.75% lower mean attitude score. In total, 46% (n=16) yielded a score ≥75%. Conversely, Avsar et al. in 2019, 86% (n=18) of studies yielded positive attitude results. Studies from the Middle East show the lowest mean attitude score (mean 55%; ±15%; median 53%; n=9), with studies from Europe displaying the highest mean attitude score (mean 79%; ±6%; median 79%; n=12).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that, overall, nurses are relatively positively disposed toward PU prevention. However, there are differences across continents. It is important to highlight also that the nurses have difficulties reflecting this positive attitude into actual preventative strategies.

The effect of knowledge levels of intensive care nurses about pressure injuries on their attitude toward preventing pressure injuries

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the current knowledge levels of intensive care nurses about pressure injuries and their attitudes toward preventing pressure injuries, and to reveal the relationship between these variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 152 nurses, working in the Adult Intensive Care Units of a Training and Research Hospital. Data were collected between 10.08.2021 and 31.11.2021 with the Patient Information Form, Modified Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test and Attitude toward Pressure Injury Prevention Scale. Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression analysis and the structural equation modeling technique were used in the analysis of the study data.

RESULTS

The mean age of the nurses was 25.82 ± 3.42 years, 86.2% of them were female and 67.1% of them had a bachelor's degree. Total mean score of the Modified Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test of the intensive care nurses was found to be 32.58 ± 6.58. The knowledge score of 113 out of 152 nurses was ≥60% or above. The total mean score of the Attitude toward Pressure Injury Prevention Scale was 42.00 ± 5.70 and a total of 76.97% (117 participants) of them were found to score 75% or above on the scale. The results of the regression analysis showed that educational degree, and status of having training about pressure injuries did not affect the total mean score of the Knowledge Test and the Attitude Scale. However, it revealed that the frequency of encountering a patient with pressure injuries in the unit where they work has affected the total mean score of the scales significantly (p < 0.05). As per the results of the structural equation model, the Modified Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test scores of the nurses were found to have a statistically significant effect on the scores of the Attitude toward Pressure Injury Prevention Scale (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that intensive care unit nurses had a positive attitude toward Pressure Injury Prevention and their knowledge was sufficient and that as the Modified Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test scores increase, their positive attitude toward Pressure Injury Prevention also increases.

Assessment of the risk factors for intraoperative pressure injuries in patients

AIM

This study was conducted to assess the risk factors for pressure injuries in patients during surgery.

METHODS

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the risk of pressure injuries during surgery was evaluated in 250 patients in a university hospital. Data were collected through a Patient Descriptive Information Form (PDIF) and the 3S Intraoperative Pressure Injury Risk Assessment Scale (IPIRAS).

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 44.15 ± 17.00, and 52.4% were female. In addition, it was determined that the mean 3S IPIRAS score was higher in patients who were male, were aged ≥60 years, were obese, had a chronic disease, and had low serum albumin and hemoglobin levels (p < .05). During the surgery of the patients included in the study, support surfaces were used in 67.6%, positioning aids were used in 82.4%, and 55.6% had normal skin. Patients who underwent CVS procedures for more than 6 h, did not use support surfaces during surgery, had moist skin, or used vasopressors had higher and significantly different mean 3S IPIRAS scores (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, all surgical patients were at risk for pressure injury in the intraoperative period. In addition, it was found that male gender was associated with risk factors and that being aged ≥60 years, obesity, chronic disease, low serum hemoglobin and albumin levels, CVS, operations lasting more than 6 h, moist skin, vasopressor drugs, and not using support surfaces during surgery increased the risk of pressure injuries significantly.

Determining knowledge and attitudes related to pressure injury prevention among operating room nurses and associated factors

AIM

To determine attitudes and levels of knowledge related to pressure injury (PI) prevention among operating room nurses and identify associated factors.

METHODS

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey with a sample of 112 operating room nurses recruited by the snowball method of convenience sampling. Data were collected online via Google Forms using a nurse data collection form, the Knowledge of Operating Room Nurses about Pressure Injuries Form, and the Attitude Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (APuP).

RESULTS

The operating room nurses' mean score for PI knowledge was 52.19 ± 17.01 out of 100, and their mean total APuP score was 42.28 ± 5.19 out of 52. Knowledge about PIs was negatively associated with being male (β = -0.287, p < 0.001) and positively associated with intervening to prevent PIs during surgery (β = 0.214, p = 0.008), using international PI guidelines as a reference in the operating room (β = -0.225, p = 0.005), and APuP score (β=.415, p < 0.001). Intervening to prevent PIs during surgery (β = 0.294, p = 0.003) was a significant predictor of attitude toward PI prevention.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that overall, operating room nurses have insufficient knowledge but positive attitudes about PI prevention. Female gender, using international PI reference guides in the operating room, and positive attitude toward PI prevention were identified as factors associated with higher PI knowledge level, while intervening to prevent PIs during surgery was positively associated with both knowledge level and attitude toward PI prevention.

Barriers and facilitators to pressure injury prevention in hospitals: A mixed methods systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically synthesize research evidence on barriers and facilitators to pressure injury prevention in hospital settings.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research was undertaken using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Studies that reported barriers or/and facilitators to pressure injury prevention in the acute care settings and published in English from 2008 to 2022 were included. Studies were excluded if they were conducted in residential care facilities and nursing homes, or other long-term community care settings. Two authors independently screened articles against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted by two authors by using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Reported results were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify the barriers and facilitators to pressure injury prevention.

RESULTS

A total of 78 studies were included. There were 65 quantitative studies, 11 qualitative studies, and two mix-methods studies. The most salient Theoretical Domains Framework domains identified in this review were "Knowledge", "Skills", "Environmental Context and Resources", "Optimism", "Social/Professional Role and Identity", and "Social influences".

CONCLUSION

The barriers and facilitators to pressure injury prevention in hospital settings identified in this systematic review were diverse, and included issues at both individual and organizational level. Healthcare organizations can address the barriers and facilitators from the influential Theoretical Domains Framework domains. Future research is required to investigate the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions that specifically target these barriers and facilitators to pressure injury prevention.

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

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate nurses' knowledge on pressure injury (PI) prevention.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

The nurses who participated in this study do not have enough knowledge on PI prevention.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of The Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire(PIPK)

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire (PIPK).

METHOD

A methodological study design was used. The instrument was translated into Turkish and back-translated into English. After evaluating the language equivalence and content validity of the scale, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined. The research was conducted with a total of 324 nurses working in a state hospital and two private hospitals who volunteered to participate in the research. Number, percentage distributions, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Kappa coefficient test, Man Whitney U test and Rasch analysis were used to evaluate the data.

RESULTS

Content validity was evaluated by 11 experts in wound care and the CVI(content validity index was found 0.90. The correlation coefficient between the groups was found to be ICC 0.979 in the Kappa coefficient test performed for the reliability analysis. When the in- and out-of-fit difficulty index values of the scale were examined, it was found that the averages of these values varied between "0.72" and "1.38" values.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire (PIPK) was found to be a valid and reliable tool for intercultural studies revealing the nursing knowledge of prevention on PIs. It is recommended to conduct studies that test the validity and reliability of the scale in different samples.

The Swedish version of the attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention instrument for use in an operating room context (APUP-OR): A nationwide psychometric evaluation

INTRODUCTION

To assess operating room (OR) nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention, the Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention (APuP) instrument was developed.

AIM

The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention (APuP) instrument in a Swedish OR context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A psychometric evaluation study was conducted, using a convenience sample, between February and August 2020. Validity (content, construct, discriminatory power) and reliability (stability and internal consistency) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The first survey (test) was completed by 284 Swedish OR nurses, of whom n = 50 (17.6%) completed the second survey (retest). A Principal Component Analysis was conducted for the 13-item instrument. The KMO value for this model was 0.62. Bartlett's test for sphericity was statistically significant (p 0.001). Five factors were identified which accounted for 56% of the variance in responses related to attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention. The Cronbach's α for the instrument "attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention" was 0.66. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.49 (95% CI = 0.25-0.67).

CONCLUSION

This Swedish version of the APuP- OR is the first step in the development of an instrument to measure OR nurses' attitudes towards PU prevention in a Swedish OR context. The reliability of the instrument was low and the validity moderate. A larger sample and the revision or addition of items related to the context of the operating room should be considered in order to confirm aspects of the psychometric properties.

Pressure injury knowledge of Turkish internship nursing students

AIM

This study aimed to describe the pressure injury (PI) knowledge of Turkish internship nursing students (INSs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive study was performed using the Turkish version of the Modified Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test. The study population consisted of INSs in a nursing program in the West Black Sea Region, Turkey. The sample of the study was 278 (74.1% of a total of 375 volunteer INSs).

RESULTS

The mean knowledge test score was 29.03 ± 7.15 (range 11-44). The prevention/risk score was higher; only 28.4% of the students had a satisfactory test score.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated that the INSs had significant knowledge gaps regarding PI. Nursing students' knowledge deficiencies regarding PIs should be identified at undergraduate level, and the necessary educational measures should be taken.

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

OBJECTIVES

To assess the knowledge and attitudes of student nurses regarding evidence-based guidelines for preventing pressure injuries.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Knowledge and practices of operating room nurses in the prevention of pressure injuries

BACKGROUND

Operating room (OR) nurses play an important role in preventing the pressure injuries (PIs) that may develop during the perioperative process. This study was conducted to determine OR nurses' level of knowledge about PIs, and how they manage them.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study. The sample of the study consisted of 234 OR nurses working in eight different public hospitals in Ankara. The questionnaire applied in this study was prepared in accordance with the guidelines. This questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic profiling, common preventive practices, and the knowledge of OR nurses about intraoperative PI prevention.

FINDINGS

66.7% of the participants had received education about PIs during their basic nursing training, and 41.5% had received education after graduation. 97.4% of OR nurses did not follow international guidelines about PIs. The mean total score of the OR nurses for the questions about PIs was 52.0 ± 13.7 out of a possible score of 100. The lowest mean score was obtained for the topic of 'staging pressure injuries', and the highest score was obtained from 'interventions to prevent pressure injuries'. In addition, 81.5% of the OR nurses stated that they were not given information about patients with a high PI risk by clinical nurses. 97.9% of the OR nurses did not use a scale to assess intraoperative PI risks. Fewer than half of the nurses said that they assessed the risk of PIs during surgery. 90.8% the nurses did not record risk assessment and interventions to prevent PIs.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to incorporate basic operating room PI (ORPI) training into both the basic nursing and in-service training to improve the knowledge of OR nurses about how to prevent and manage ORPIs. In addition, measures to assess PI risk and prevent ORPI should be included in institutional policies and procedures.

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.

Examination of the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention instrument in nurses

INTRODUCTION

Pressure ulcer development is a known indicator of the quality of care. Negative attitudes towards the prevention of pressure ulcers can lead to preventive care with suboptimal quality. There is no valid and reliable instrument in Iran to assess clinicians' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention; therefore, this study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention instrument (APuP) in Nurses.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 250 nurses were selected using a convenience sampling method. Face, content, and construct validity were examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Internal consistency was assessed using the McDonald's omega (ω), and reliability was assessed using the test-retest method.

RESULTS

In the EFA, five factors of Competence, Responsibility, Perceived Consequences of Pressure Ulcers on Patients, Priority, and Confidence in the Effectiveness of Prevention were extracted that together explained 50.26% of the total variance. A McDonald's ω of 0.891 demonstrated the internal consistency of the total scale, and internal consistencies ranging from 0.70 to 0.86 were found for different dimensions of the instrument. In addition, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.876 was found that indicated the reliability (stability) of the total scale (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.736-0.963).

CONCLUSION

The Persian version of the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention instrument (APuP) has good validity and reliability in Iranian nurses and can be used in future clinical studies.

Attitudes of Spanish Nurses towards Pressure Injury Prevention and Psychometric Characteristics of the Spanish Version of the APuP Instrument

The prevention of pressure injuries in hospitalised patients is a critical point of care related to patient safety. Nurses play a key role in pressure injury (PI) prevention, making it important to assess not only their knowledge but also their attitude towards prevention. The main purpose of this study was to translate into Spanish and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention instrument (APuP); a secondary aim was to explore the associations of attitude with other factors. A Spanish version was developed through a translation and back-translation procedure. The validation study was conducted on a sample of 438 nursing professionals from four public hospitals in Spain. The analysis includes internal consistency, confirmatory factorial analysis, and construct validity in known groups. The 12-item Spanish version of the APuP fit well in the 5-factor model, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.7. The mean APuP score was 39.98, which means a positive attitude. Registered nurses have a slightly better attitude than Assistant nurses. A moderate correlation (R = 0.32) between knowledge and attitude for the prevention of PI was found. As concluded, the Spanish version of the APuP questionnaire is a valid, reliable and useful tool to measure the attitude toward PI prevention in Spanish-speaking contexts. This version has 12 items grouped into 5 factors, and its psychometric properties are similar to those of the original instrument.

Prevención de lesiones por presión: conocimientos y actitudes del personal de enfermería

OBJECTIVE

Identify, analyse and summarise the empirical evidence on nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards pressure ulcer (PU) prevention.

METHOD

A systematic literature review on articles published between 2008 y 2019 was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Databases were checked for the following terms in Spanish, English and Portuguese: attitude, knowledge, pressure ulcer, and nursing staff.

RESULTS

A total of 33 articles with a quantitative descriptive approach were included in this review. The authors found a lack of knowledge on PU prevention among nursing staff. The nurses' attitudes were considered positive. Few studies examined the correlation between knowledge, attitude and clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for continued professional education in terms of PU prevention among nurses. Research on alternative ways to organise nursing staff's work is needed. Studying up-to-date guidelines on PU prevention on a regular basis and attending training in this subject might be beneficial to improve nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards PU prevention.

Prevención de lesiones por presión: conocimientos y actitudes del personal de enfermería

OBJECTIVE

Identify, analyse and summarise the empirical evidence on nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards pressure ulcer (PU) prevention.

METHOD

A systematic literature review on articles published between 2008 y 2019 was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Databases were checked for the following terms in Spanish, English and Portuguese: attitude, knowledge, pressure ulcer, and nursing staff.

RESULTS

A total of 33 articles with a quantitative descriptive approach were included in this review. The authors found a lack of knowledge on PU prevention among nursing staff. The nurses' attitudes were considered positive. Few studies examined the correlation between knowledge, attitude and clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for continued professional education in terms of PU prevention among nurses. Research on alternative ways to organise nursing staff's work is needed. Studying up-to-date guidelines on PU prevention on a regular basis and attending training in this subject might be beneficial to improve nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards PU prevention.

Application of the educational method of realistic simulation in the treatment of pressure injuries

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the use of realistic simulation as a strategy to promote teaching about pressure injuries.

METHOD

This is a quasi-experimental study. A modified and translated version of the Pieper Pressure Ulcer knowledge test was applied. Kappa statistical analysis was used to assess the professionals' knowledge in the realistic simulation using the SPSS software. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven nursing professionals participated in the realistic simulation, the majority (72.7%) being nursing technicians. Regarding the knowledge of primary and secondary coverage techniques, the Kappa index went from 0.56 (p=0.002) in the pre-test to 0.87 (p=0.001) in the post-test. As for the sterile dressing technique, there was a variation from 0.55 (p=0.002) in the pre-test to 0.91 (p=0.001) in the post-test. Regarding the cleaning of pressure injuries, there was a variation from 0.81 (CI: 0.62-0.84) in the pre-test to 0.91 (0.85-0.97) in the post-test. The knowledge about the use of a sterile spatula to distribute the dressing in the wound increased from an agreement index from regular to good.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of the realistic simulation in the clinical practice has created quality assessment indicators for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries.

Do we still need to assess nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To critically appraise and synthesise existing research literature pertaining to nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer (PU) prevention.

METHOD

Using systematic review methodology, published quantitative studies focusing on nurses' attitudes towards PU prevention measured by psychometric tests were included. The search was conducted in May 2019 using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane and EMBASE databases, and returned 442 records, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a pre-designed extraction tool and all included studies were quality appraised using the checklist.

RESULTS

Of the included studies, 20 employed a cross-sectional design and one author employed a validation study. In measuring nurses' attitudes toward PU prevention two distinct instruments were used: the 'Moore and Price Attitude Scale' and the 'Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument'. The mean attitude score within the studies was 73% (standard deviation=9.2%). The lowest attitude score was 51%, while the highest score was 89%. The results obtained from the studies indicated that 86% (n=18) yielded positive attitude results.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that, overall, nurses are positively disposed towards PU prevention. However, it is important to highlight that the nurses have difficulties translating this positive attitude into actual PU prevention strategies.

Nurses' knowledge and practice of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment: An observational study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To assess nurses' knowledge on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and treatment in Jordan, and the frequency of and factors influencing nurses' implementation of PU prevention and treatment interventions.

BACKGROUND

Highly educated and experienced nurses can provide effective PU care; however, previous studies highlighted poor knowledge and implementation of PU care.

DESIGN

A correlational study examining nurses' knowledge of PU prevention and frequency of PU preventive actions in Jordanian hospitals.

METHODS

Participants were 377 nurses and 318 patients from 11 hospitals. Data were collected to quantify the frequency of nurses' implementation of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment interventions for patients suffering from PUs and/or at risk of PU development using a self-reported cross-sectional survey and prospective 8-h observation.

RESULTS

For observed PU prevention while type of hospital and number of beds in units were significant it is not known without further work if this is replicable. For observed PU treatment, linear regression analysis revealed significant negative beta values for more than 50 beds in clinical unit (β = -2.49).

CONCLUSION

The study addressed new factors, facilitating the provision of prevention and treatment strategies to PU development, including type of clinical institution and number of beds in clinical unit.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

There is a need to develop training programmes to improve insufficient nurses' knowledge and, thus, clinical practices on PU prevention and treatment. These programmes would assist both junior and senior nurses and other key stakeholders (e.g. hospital managers, policy-makers, and educators) to improve the performance of PU services, thus, minimising patient suffering.

An interprofessional approach to pressure ulcer prevention: a knowledge and attitudes evaluation

Background: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a major burden to individuals, impacting their physical, mental and social wellbeing. While PU prevention is traditionally regarded as a nursing issue, an interprofessional approach has been promoted as best practice. However, little is known about current practice or the knowledge and attitudes of the wider interprofessional team (IPT). Purpose: Pre-designed questionnaires were used to explore knowledge and attitudes with healthcare staff in the community. Methods: Questionnaires were disseminated to all healthcare staff within a community healthcare Trust predominantly via an online tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The median values of all professional groups demonstrated satisfactory attitudes (>75%) and levels of knowledge (>60%) to PU prevention. However, there were differences within and between groups. Management staff demonstrated the most positive attitude to PU prevention (89%), followed by occupational therapists (OTs) and healthcare assistants (HCAs) (87%, IQR: 75%→89%). OTs demonstrated the highest scores for knowledge (69%, IQR: 62%→73%), while healthcare and rehabilitation assistants scored the lowest (58%, IQR: 58%-64%). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the majority of healthcare staff in a UK community setting have satisfactory levels of knowledge and attitudes in relation to PU prevention overall. Nevertheless, there were some differences between groups, albeit non-significant. There were also differences between sub-themes of the questionnaires, indicating a greater focus of pressure ulcer treatment over prevention. While PU prevention is widely regarded to be a nursing issue, these findings provide some indication of the potential for an interprofessional approach.

Pressure injury prevention and management practices among nurses: A realist case study

The prevention and management of a pressure injury is a nurse-sensitive quality indicator in hospitals. Prevention and management of pressure injury practices have been found to be suboptimal despite the availability of interventions. Currently, there is a poor understanding of the mechanisms behind these interventions. The aim of the study was to explain a realistic portrayal of nurses' current practices to prevent and manage pressure injuries in one public hospital in Singapore. A realistic case study design was adopted. Twenty-four nurses were recruited. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim to facilitate thematic analysis. Prevention and management was generally facilitated through the timely escalation of care, effective communication, support from the wound nurses, and bridging of the knowledge-practice gap. However, factors such as nurses' intrinsic characteristics and organisational support may affect the outcomes of these facilitators. Overall, nurses strive to achieve patient safety, where pressure injuries are prevented to the best of their abilities. This study provides causal links between contextual factors, mechanisms of the prevention and management, and the outcomes achieved. Further refinement and testing of the specific mechanisms are needed and will contribute to a better understanding of how nurses prevent and manage pressure injuries.

Attitudes of surgical nurses towards pressure ulcer prevention

STUDY AIM

Nurses play the key role in prevention of pressure ulcers, and negative attitudes of them may affect preventive care strategies. This research aimed to identify surgical nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive and cross-sectional study design was used to collect data between March 31-May 16, 2016 on 101 voluntary nurses (66.01% of all nurses) working in surgical units of a university hospital in Turkey. "Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument" and "Nurse Information Form" were used to investigate nurses' attitude toward preventing pressure ulcer. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, independent samples t-test, Pearson's chi-squared, and correlation tests were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The mean age of nurses' was 32.0 ± 6.3 years and, the average duration of clinical experience was 72.3 ± 61 months. A total of 54.5% were working in surgical wards and, 40.6% gained additional education about pressure ulcer care. The mean total attitude score was found to be 80.5% (41.8 ± 4.8). Previous education significantly affected the total attitude score of nurses (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The total scale score showed that surgical nurses had a positive attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention and nurses who had previous education about pressure ulcer care has higher attitude score than who had not. It is recommended that effective in-service education programs be developed at hospitals or that nurses be required to attend courses to help them to improve their pressure ulcer care.