Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this descriptive study was to determine nurses' knowledge and usual practice in prevention and management of deep tissue injury (DTI) and stage I pressure ulcers (PUs).
SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The study was conducted in neurology, orthopedics, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and intensive care units of 3 hospitals located in Ankara, Turkey. These units were selected because they care for patients at risk for developing PUs. The sample comprised 243 nurses.
METHODS: A questionnaire was developed in consultation with wound care experts to measure nurses' knowledge and practice for preventing DTI and stage I PUs. The questionnaire form was provided to nurses who consented to participate in the study; the nurses completed the forms in the presence of the investigator.
RESULTS: The mean score of correct answers was 48.85 +/- 11.99 of 100. Significant correlations were found between the percentage of correct answers and level of nursing education, previous experience with PU management, and participation in in-service training programs.
CONCLUSION: The nurses in this study tended to lack sufficient knowledge regarding prevention and management of DTI and stage I PUs.