Perceptions and Approaches of Neonatal Nurses in the Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Qualitative Study

Preterm neonates are at risk of pressure injuries due to limited mobility, delicate skin structure and mechanical load applied by medical devices.

The aim of this study is to investigate neonatal nurses' perceptions and approaches regarding the prevention of pressure injuries.

A qualitative descriptive research design was used in this study. The study was conducted in six different hospitals located in Türkiye. To ensure maximum diversity, participants were recruited using a combination of purposive sampling and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected between October 2024 and March 2025 through individual in-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured interview form. After each interview, the audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim by the researcher. The data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis with the support of MAXQDA 2022 software. The reporting of the study followed the COREQ.

The analysis of the data revealed four themes: 'Nurses' Roles and Experiences', 'Team Collaboration in Pressure Injury Prevention', 'Factors Affecting Pressure Injury Prevention' and 'Nursing Management of Pressure Injuries'. In the first theme, participants described their active role in preventing pressure injuries and shared their experiences related to pressure injuries. In the second theme, they emphasised the importance of teamwork in managing pressure injuries. The third theme highlighted individual and organisational factors influencing the prevention of pressure injuries. In the fourth theme, participants discussed the routine practices they frequently perform in the prevention and management of pressure injuries.

This study revealed that nurses play a critical role in the prevention and management of pressure injuries, and that teamwork, as well as individual and organisational factors, influence this process.

It is recommended that protocols be developed to prevent pressure ulcers, in-service training be provided, wound care nursing units be expanded and working conditions be improved.