Effects of implementing educational program about pressure ulcer control on nurses' knowledge and safety of immobilized patients

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers are common problems in healthcare system and produce a significant burden on patients and care providers. Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers is a leading cause of preventable harm. It is associated with a significant increase in treatment cost, length of stay, and poor patients’ satisfaction. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of implementing educational program about pressure ulcer control on nurses' knowledge and safety of immobilized patients.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct the study on 40 nurses working in the critical care units at Mansoura University Hospital, in addition to 40 patients were randomly assigned from these units previous. A structured questionnaire to collect data related to socio-demographic data for nurses, pressure ulcer nurses' knowledge questionnaires, observational checklist and patient assessment sheet that include Sciodemographic data related to patients, and  Braden scale sheet.

Results: The present study revealed that:  (a) The mean total knowledge scores of nurses were increased immediately after implementation of a program with statistical significant difference compared to pre implementation. (b) The mean total practice scores of nurses were higher immediately after implementing program with a higher statistical significant difference compared to pre implementation. (c) There were a positive correlation between nurses' knowledge and practices with a high statistical significant difference. (d) There were a positive safety immobilized patients as evidence by less incidence of pressure ulcers among study group after received intervention than pre received intervention.

Conclusion: This study revealed that nursing staffs’ knowledge and practice about pressure ulcer preventive measures could be improved. Participants in the study reported that they could use the educational program effectively and easily in the prevention of pressure ulcers among their immobilized patients, which decreases the occurrence of pressure ulcers and as well as improved patient outcome.

Recommendations: The present study recommended that continues education and in service training program for the nursing staff, which is necessary for the continuously advancing care for patients in this area.