ASSESSMENT OF REGISTERED NURSES KNOWLEDGE REGARDING PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION IN A PRIVATE TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcer is a serious health issue globally.  It effect the patient and his family physically, emotionally and economically. The knowledge of registered nurse is crucial in the management of pressure ulcer. Registered nurses are front liners care provider to detect the early signs of pressure damages and our responsible for our prevention. Improvement in the knowledge of registered nurses can also be helpful in improving the quality care of the patient. Lack of training, inadequate knowledge and absence of pressure relieving equipment’s results in insufficient knowledge of registered nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention. Through training, educational programs and pressure relieving devices registered nurses knowledge towards pressure ulcer prevention can be improved. By improving registered nurses knowledge quality of care will also be improved. 

Methods: Data was gathered from 160 randomly chosen registered nurses using a quantitative method in a descriptive cross-sectional study design. To assess registered nurses' knowledge, data was collected using two validated, structured, self-administered pressure ulcer knowledge tests. The knowledge levels of registered nurses were define using mean, standard deviation, and frequencies.

Results: As far as the origin of education on pressure ulcer prevention is concerned, almost half of the participants (48.7%) stated that they received their education on the topic at the workplace, with 45.2% receiving it at university or college.

Conclusion: In order to encourage pressure ulcer prevention in public hospitals and enhance registered nurses' understanding of pressure ulcer prevention, this study focus on areas where assessments can be done.  According to the study's findings, registered nurses don't know enough about how to prevent pressure ulcers