Background: Pressure ulcers are localized damage in the bedridden patient`s skin that increase
morbidity and mortality rates and it can be prevented if appropriate nursing measures are implemented.
Aim: The present study was aimed to determine relationship between nurses` knowledge,practice and
their Perceived barriers toward PU prevention. Research design: a descriptive correlational design
was utilized for the current study. Sitting:The study was conducted in the orthopedic, neurosurgery
and intensive care units at El-Mahalla General Hospital and Benha University Hospital. Sample: A
convenient sample of all available nurses (40 nurses from each hospital) were included in the study
and eighty patients (40 patients in each hospitals) who are assigned for care by studied nurses who
participated in the study. Two tools were employed in this study, Tool 1:It included 2 parts, part
I:concerned with Nurses` knowledge assessment and sociodemographic characteristics, Part II:
attributed to perceived barriers towards pressure ulcer prevention practice. Tool 2: It included 2 parts,
Part I: included nurses' practice observational checklist toward actual nurses' care for pressure ulcer
prevention.Part II: Patients` diagnosis and their functional level observational checklist. Result and
conclusion: The present study revealed that nurses' knowledge was satisfied while their practice was
unsatisfied which it may be attribute to that they did not integrate their knowledge into practices. There
was statistically significant correlation between level of nurses’ knowledge and practice in Benha and
El Mahallaand between nurses’ practice and perceived barriers by nurses in El Mahalla
hospital.Recommendations:The present study recommended that continues education and in service
training program for the nurses, which is necessary for improving care provided for patients. Health
service managers should identify and minimize the barriers as much as possible to prevent pressure
ulcer |
