Background Pressure ulcer remains a
significant problem in the healthcare system. In addition to the suffering it
causes patients, it bears a growing financial burden. Although pressure ulcer
prevention and care have improved in recent years, pressure ulcer still exists
and occurs in both hospital and community settings. In Jordan, there are a
handful of studies on pressure ulcer. This study aims to explore levels of
knowledge and knowledge sources about pressure ulcer prevention, as well as
barriers to implementing pressure ulcer prevention guidelines among Jordanian
nurses.
Methods Using a cross-sectional study design and a self-administered
questionnaire, data was collected from 194 baccalaureate and master’s level
staff nurses working in eight Jordanian hospitals. From September to October of
2011, their knowledge levels about pressure ulcer prevention and the sources of
this knowledge were assessed, along with the barriers which reduce successful
pressure ulcer care and prevention. ANOVA
and t-test analysis were used to test the differences in nurses’
knowledge according to participants’ characteristics. Means, standard
deviation, and frequencies were used to describe nurses’ knowledge levels,
knowledge sources, and barriers to pressure ulcer prevention.
Results The majority (73%, n = 141) of nurses had inadequate knowledge
about pressure ulcer prevention. The mean scores of the test for all
participants was 10.84 out of 26 (SD = 2.3, range = 5–17), with the lowest
score in themes related to PU etiology, preventive measures to reduce amount of
pressure/shear, and risk assessment. In-service training was the second source
of education on pressure ulcer, coming after university training. Shortage of
staff and lack of time were the most frequently cited barriers to carrying out
pressure ulcer risk assessment, documentation, and prevention.
Conclusions This study highlights concerns about Jordanian nurses’
knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. The results of the current study showed
inadequate knowledge among Jordanian nurses about pressure ulcer prevention
based on National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel guidelines. Also, the low level
of nurses’ pressure ulcer knowledge suggests poor dissemination of pressure
ulcer knowledge in Jordan, a suggestion supported by the lack of relationship
between years of experience and pressure ulcer knowledge.
BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are health problems that resulted in human suffering, pain, disfigurement, loss of productive time, and financial burden. Despite the fact that PU is largely preventable (Elliott, McKinley & Fox, 2008) and recent advances in health care, PU rates are significantly increased in health care facilities (EPUAP, 2009). PURPOSE: The current study examined the effects of pressure ulcer education program on nurses’ knowledge, practices, attitudes and intentions towards PU prevention and treatment. METHODS: Interventional approach using before-after test design was used. Two hundred and twenty nurses were randomly selected from eight hospitals in Jordan. Nurses’ knowledge and practice about PU was measured by PU knowledge and practice test based on EPUAP guidelines and Beeckman et al. (2011), while attitudes and intentions were measured using scales. RESULTS: The study revealed that nurses’ knowledge, practices, attitudes and intentions were improved towards PU prevention and treatment. Demographic variables such as gender and years of experience were influential in relation to nurses’ knowledge, practices, attitudes and intentions towards PU prevention and treatment. Results also showed lack of accurate information about PU management among nurses and positive nurses’ attitudes toward PU prevention and treatment. CONCLUSION: A PU education program is a powerful tool for nurses. It provides an opportunity to improve understanding of PU, keep abreast of current knowledge on PU, and eliminate patient's suffering. Additionally, PU education programs can help nurses to acquire professional attitudes that will enable them to improve quality of nursing care.