[Home health care advanced practice nurses' ability to visually differentiate pressure injuries and...

This descriptive survey aimed to identify factors influencing home health care advanced practice nurses' ability to visually differentiate between pressure injuries (PIs) and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).

The study included 157 home health care advanced practice nurses currently employed at medical institutions nationwide. Data were collected from July 20 to November 5, 2024. Instruments consisted of a PI-IAD knowledge assessment tool (19 items) and a PI-IAD visual differentiation evaluation tool (21 images and related information).

Participants achieved an average score of 14.86 ± 2.06 out of 19 on the PI-IAD knowledge scale. The mean score for visual differentiation ability was 13.20 ± 4.15 out of 21. A significant positive correlation was found between PI-IAD knowledge and visual differentiation ability (r = .52, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis identified PI-IAD knowledge, age under 40 years, clinical experience of 10~20, 20~30, or over 30 years, and employment in clinics or general hospitals as significant predictors of visual differentiation ability. These variables explained 39% of the variance (F = 8.81, p < .001).

Home health care advanced practice nurses demonstrated difficulty visually distinguishing between pressure injury stages and IAD. Therefore, practice-based educational programs are needed to improve anatomical understanding and visual discrimination skills.