Barriers to evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention in Intensive Care Units

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing Zagazig University

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to determine the barriers to evidence-based
pressure ulcer prevention in Intensive Care Units. Research design and setting: A descriptive crosssectional design was selected to conduct the current study in the ICU units of Zagazig University Hospitals.
Subjects: 200 nurses from the above mentioned setting who met the inclusion criteria. Tools of data
collection: A Self-administered questionnaire was used. Results: Most of the nurses in the study sample
(80%) were having unsatisfactory total knowledge about pressure ulcers. Majority of the nurses in the study
sample (90.5%) were having positive attitudes towards the prevention of pressure ulcers. slightly more than
two-thirds of them (69.0%) were having high perception of barriers hindering the application of EBP in
pressure ulcers prevention. It is noticed that the highest perceived barriers were related to the work
environment (62%), whereas the lowest were related to nursing (11.5%). Conclusion: The main barriers to
implementation of evidence-based preventive practices for pressure ulcers revealed in the study are the
nurses’ deficient knowledge, in addition to the work environment-related barriers. Recommendations:
Training programs for nurses about evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention, improvement of work
environment and further study for their effectiveness are recommended.

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