[Cross-sectional study on skin tears in fragile, aging skin: nursing deficits in a common problem in Germany]

Cross-sectional study on skin tears in fragile, aging skin: nursing deficits in a common problem in Germany Abstract. Background: Skin tears are internationally classified as a common phenomenon in elderly people. Methods of prevention, early detection, classification, and specific treatment of skin tears are internationally established. Up to now skin tears have received little attention in Germany, and the present state of studies is insufficient. Aim: The aim of this study was to reveal for the first time the nurses' perspective in Germany concerning skin tears. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted in an online survey to ask general and geriatric nurses about frequency, classification systems, terminology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment methods concerning skin tears. Results: With 137 completely answered questionnaires, persons from various nursing disciplines and regions were reached. The incidence of skin tears was rated by 83.2 % of the respondents as common or very common, whereas 37 different terms for skin tears had been used. Numerous risk factors and methods of prevention were named; however, classification systems are hardly known. Knowledge about dressings is partially inadequate. Conclusions: An explicit and standard terminology for the phenomenon "skin tear" as well as the utilization of international classification systems are urgently needed in Germany. Evidence-based treatment and prevention should become standard in Germany. Beginning in nursing school and nursing college, specific education and counselling must be established for nurses as well as for patients and their caregivers.