Nurses' perceptions of a pressure ulcer prevention care bundle: a qualitative descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Interventions

Background:

• Pressure ulcer prevention is a key patient safety metric in hospitals.
• An innovative care bundle promoting patient participation in pressure ulcer prevention was trialed.
• Understanding nurses' views is crucial for implementing this evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nurses' perceptions of a pressure ulcer prevention care bundle.
• To evaluate the intervention's usefulness and impact on clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with 18 nurses.
• Interviews conducted at four Australian hospitals involved in a cluster randomised trial.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Nurses perceived the care bundle as feasible and acceptable.
• Themes included awareness, improved communication, patient participation, barriers, and implementation partnerships.
• Benefits highlighted were enhanced patient and staff awareness and participation.

Conclusions:

• The pressure ulcer prevention care bundle is generally feasible and acceptable to nurses.
• It enhances communication, awareness, and patient participation in care.
• Implementation requires addressing patient suitability (e.g., cognitive impairment) and leveraging communication, leadership, and simplicity.