The effect of nursing training on dependence-related skin lesions: a quasi-experimental study

To assess the effectiveness of ad hoc designed, mixed methodology training on the prevention, classification and categorisation of dependence-related skin lesions (DRSL) among nursing professionals at a public general hospital in Spain.

A quasi-experimental study comprising a single group with 'pre-test' and 'post-test' measurements and measurements at 15 months involving nursing professionals from two hospitalisation units. The data were analysed considering the scores obtained in the measuring instrument, applied before, after and 15 months subsequent to a five-week blended training programme.

In the pre-test phase, 39 valid questionnaires were obtained, of which 23 were from nurses and the remainder from nurse aids. In 90% of the items assessing theoretical knowledge, there was an increase in correct answers in the post-test, with statistical significance in 30% of them. In the items assessing practical skills, there was an 83.3% increase in correct answers in the post-test and 80% of them were statistically significant. In the test conducted at 15 months, 60% of the items assessing theoretical knowledge and 83.3% of the items assessing practical skills underwent an increase in correct answers with respect to the pre-test. The comparison between professional groups and age groups does not reveal any statistically significant differences.

Ad hoc blended training with theoretical and practical contents, as presented, can be considered a good instrument to improve knowledge and skills on the prevention, classification and categorisation of DRSL.