Assessing Skin Tear Knowledge Among Nurses: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Survey

To assess the knowledge of nurses in Chinese hospitals regarding skin tears, focusing on evaluating their understanding and proficiency in managing and preventing skin tears, exploring the impact of demographic and professional factors on their knowledge levels and identifying specific areas where additional training or education is needed.

This study is a multicentre cross-sectional survey conducted in the Henan province of China using a stratified cluster sampling method.

The study utilised the Chinese version of the Skin Tear Knowledge Assessment Instrument (OASES) for evaluating nurses' knowledge levels based on a questionnaire comprising 22 questions on the online platform Wenjuanxing (www.wjx.cn). All questions had to be answered, with only one option selectable per question. Response validity was ensured by excluding questionnaires that showed a clear response pattern, were completed in under 60 s, or scored 0 points. Descriptive analysis, item-level analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.

A total of 1675 clinical nurses participated in this study. Age was a significant factor influencing skin tear knowledge, with older nurses (age, 41-60 vs. 18-40 years) demonstrating higher knowledge scores. Additionally, female nurses exhibited higher average knowledge scores compared to male nurses. Further, different departments, education levels, job titles and having completed relevant courses significantly influenced skin tear knowledge among nurses. However, on multivariate analyses, we found that working in the intensive care unit, having a higher education background and job title and having studied courses on wound, ostomy or incontinence were independent factors influencing knowledge on skin tear, indicating the need for targeted educational interventions.

In conclusion, targeted educational interventions and continuous professional development are essential to bridge the identified knowledge gaps among nurses in Chinese hospitals regarding skin tear management.

The Strengthening the Report of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist guidelines were followed.

Enhancing nurses' knowledge and skills in skin tear management through targeted educational programmes could improve patient care quality, reduce the incidence of skin tears and promote better wound care outcomes in clinical settings.

This study addresses the problem of knowledge gaps in skin tear management among nurses. The main findings indicate varied understanding and significant factors influencing this knowledge. The research impacts nurses and patients in Chinese hospitals, emphasising the need for specialised training and professional development to improve skin tear management and patient care. No patient or public contribution.