Attitudes of intensive care nurses towards pressure ulcer prevention

Abstract

Background: The development of pressure ulcer is a common problem across a full range of healthcare settings, including intensive care units. Nurses’ attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention have an important influence on their ability to deliver this practice. Aim: To assess nurses’ attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention and to identify any factors that could affect these attitudes.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICUs of three conveniently selected hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected from 112 nurses working in intensive care units in three hospitals in Jordan by means of a self-administered questionnaire. An attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention tool designed by Moore and Price was used to collect the data.
Results: Intensive care nurses hold positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention. Both nurses’ experience and previous training on pressure ulcer prevention were the most significant predictors of these attitudes.
Conclusions: Positive attitudes should be supported since nurses with a positive attitude will be more willing to implement pressure ulcer prevention measures. Any barriers which exist to prevent nurses who have a positive attitude from delivering the prevention strategies should be investigated.