Exploring perspectives and experiences of pressure ulcer prevention among healthcare support workers

Despite the global shift in delegating greater responsibilities, including pressure ulcer (PU) prevention, to healthcare support workers (HCSWs), their experiences and perspectives are often under-represented in research. The aim of this study was to explore HCSWs' experiences and perspectives in PU prevention when delivering patient care.

A generic qualitative research was used. Between March and June 2021, four focus groups were conducted via Zoom (Zoom Corp., US) with HCSWs working in different clinical settings. The focus groups explored HCSWs' experiences and perspectives into PU prevention, including their roles, challenges and areas requiring improvement. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

The research included 14 participants: three trainee nursing associates (acute n=2, community n=1) and one nursing associate from acute settings; and 10 healthcare assistants from acute (n=4), community (n=2), domiciliary care (n=3) and mental health (n=1). Participants demonstrated strong commitment to PU prevention, driven by their compassion and a genuine desire to alleviate patient suffering. Participants discussed challenges to effective PU prevention, including: lack of knowledge; skills; staff shortages; excessive workloads; and inconsistent practices. They stressed the critical role of teamwork and communication with patients and families for successful PU prevention. There was a strong call for structured training to enhance their knowledge and skills, advocating for mandatory, comprehensive and recurrent training for all involved in patient care.

The findings highlighted the critical role of HCSWs in PU prevention within the current healthcare workforce model. They identified challenges and emphasised the need for structured training and support to fortify the contributions to effective PU prevention made by HCSWs.