Competence in Chronic Wound Care Among Chinese Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the current status and associated factors related to theoretical competence, practical competence and attitudes towards chronic wound care among wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurses in China. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess theoretical competence and attitudes, while simulations were conducted to evaluate practical competence separately. A total of 355 WOC nurses were recruited from 22 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across mainland China using a convenience sampling method. The study instrument was translated and adapted into a Chinese translation of the C/WoundComp instrument. A total of 351 valid questionnaires were collected, with 17 participants completing the practical competence test. The mean scores for theoretical competence, practical competence and attitude were 30.16 ± 3.84, 10.24 ± 1.44 and 23.42 ± 2.76, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that certification and having received post-degree wound care training within the past 2 years were the primary factors influencing WOC nurses' theoretical competence in chronic wound care. Additionally, certification and education level were the primary factors influencing WOC nurses' attitudes towards chronic wound care. Although WOC nurses demonstrated a positive attitude towards chronic wound care, their theoretical and practical competence needs improvement. This study provides evidence to inform revisions to current training content, continuing education and recertification processes for WOC nurses in China.