Pressure injuries (PIs) pose a significant challenge in intensive care units (ICUs) globally. This article explores the knowledge levels of intensive care nurses in South Africa regarding PI prevention, utilizing the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT 2.0) to gauge their understanding and identify areas for improvement.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 101 nurses from four ICUs at a Gauteng Province academic hospital. The PUKAT 2.0, a validated instrument for assessing PI prevention knowledge, was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Shapiro-Wilk test and regression analysis, were employed to analyze the results.
Assessing Critical Care Nursing Knowledge of Pressure Injury Prevention
The study revealed a mean knowledge score of 42.16% (SD 12.09), indicating a significant knowledge gap in PI prevention among the participating nurses. Only a small percentage (5.9%) achieved a score of 60% or higher, considered the benchmark for adequate knowledge.
The lowest scores were observed in “prevention of pressure injuries” (25%) and “classification and observation” (39.5%). Conversely, “risk assessment” (100%) and “nutrition” (50%) yielded the highest scores. This discrepancy suggests that while nurses may be proficient in identifying at-risk patients, they lack comprehensive knowledge in implementing effective preventive measures.
Factors Influencing Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge
Statistical analysis revealed that higher education levels and specific years of experience (2-5 years) correlated with higher PUKAT 2.0 scores. Nurses with postgraduate qualifications, especially Master’s degrees, demonstrated significantly better knowledge. This highlights the crucial role of advanced education in equipping nurses with the necessary expertise for PI prevention.
Younger nurses (20-29 years) also outperformed their older counterparts, potentially due to recent exposure to updated information and guidelines during their education. This emphasizes the need for continuous professional development to ensure that all nurses, regardless of age or experience, maintain current knowledge in PI prevention.
Implications for Critical Care Nursing Practice
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and ongoing training programs focused on PI prevention in South African ICUs. Curriculum revisions in nursing education should prioritize practical application of preventive strategies and strengthen understanding of PI classification and observation.
Targeted interventions for mid-career nurses, particularly those with 6-10 years of experience, are crucial to address the identified knowledge gap in this group. Continuous education programs should incorporate the latest evidence-based practices and guidelines to ensure optimal patient care. Refresher courses focusing on practical skills and knowledge application could significantly enhance PI prevention efforts.
Conclusion: Strengthening Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge
This research provides valuable insights into the current state of PI prevention knowledge among critical care nurses in South Africa. The identified knowledge gaps highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and ongoing professional development to equip nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively prevent PIs. By strengthening the foundation of PI prevention knowledge and emphasizing practical application, healthcare institutions can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of pressure injuries in the ICU setting. Future research should focus on evaluating the impact of implemented training programs and adapting educational materials to the specific needs of resource-constrained environments.
