Bridging the Knowledge Gap for Pressure Injury Management in Nursing Homes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Pressure injuries are a persistent issue in nursing homes, with high prevalence and incidence despite existing education.
• Current educational approaches often fail to translate into practical application, highlighting a gap in nursing competency.
• This study addresses the need for improved pressure injury management strategies in long-term care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze nursing competency for pressure injury management in nursing homes.
• To implement and evaluate a targeted pressure injury education program.
• To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in preventing and managing pressure injuries.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase approach based on the knowledge to action model was employed.
• Phase one involved constructing an educational framework through analysis of nursing experience.
• Phase two focused on program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of its effects.

Main Results:

• Key nursing competencies identified include integrated thinking, environmental contextual understanding, and interpersonal skills for decision-making.
• The education program significantly improved participants' knowledge, attitude, and ability in pressure injury stage discrimination.
• Clinical management judgment ability also showed significant improvement post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• The developed educational framework and program are expected to enhance nurses' competency in managing pressure injuries.
• Effective pressure injury management can lead to improved quality of life for nursing home residents.
• This study provides a foundation for evidence-based education to reduce pressure injury burden in long-term care.