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This study aims to examine the self-efficacy levels of nurses in the management of pressure ulcers (PUs) and the demographic and professional factors affecting this. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 436 nurses. Data were collected between January and April 2024, using the Nurse Identification Form and the Pressure Ulcer Management Self-Efficacy Scale (PUM-SES). In the study, the total mean score of the PUM-SES was found to be 58.77 ± 18.07 (min–max: 0–100). The mean scores of the sub-dimensions of the scale were assessment 57.54 ± 20.60, planning 59.14 ± 21.15, supervision 57.16 ± 21.86, decision making 60.02 ± 19.19 (min–max: 0–100). In addition, it was observed that the total scores of the PUM-SES were significantly higher for nurses who were 34 years old and older, had worked in the unit for 3 years or more and worked in intensive care clinics. Findings showed that nurses generally had a moderate PUM-SES score. Sociodemographic variables explained only 3.9% of the total variance. Age was significant in the sub-dimensions of surveillance (β = 0.241, p = 0.001) and decision-making (β = 0.162, p = 0.03); while the unit worked had a significant and negative effect on all sub-dimensions and the total score (β = −0.159, p = 0.001). The results obtained suggest that professional experience and the working environment may have an effect on the cognitive competence of nurses. Therefore, it is recommended that training programs be developed to support nurses' decision-making processes and professional competence.
Using a 6-week porcine full-thickness excisional wound grafting model, we evaluated the Autologous Regeneration of Tissue (ART®) System, a novel skin harvesting device designed to collect autologous full-thickness autologous microcolumns (FTAM) at 0.5 mm in diameter. The donor skin sites were harvested using the ART® System and compared to split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs). Recipient sites were divided into three treatment groups: FTAM, STSG and Untreated control. Comparing the FTAM donor sites to the STSG donor sites, we observed significantly faster re-epithelization by Day 4 (p < 0.05), earlier adnexal structures and rete ridge formation by Week 3, and increased collagen and elastin content by Week 6. We also observed an increased rate of healing at the FTAM donor site whilst limiting donor site morbidity compared to traditional STSG donor sites. Time to recipient site closure was 2.4 weeks for STSG treated, 3.3 weeks for FTAM treated and 4.1 weeks for the Untreated control (p < 0.05). The STSG and FTAM recipient sites reached complete re-epithelialization by Weeks 4 and 5, respectively which was significantly faster compared to the Untreated control. However, the FTAM recipient site received only 10% of the donor site tissue relative to the recipient site area and the amount of donor site tissue grafted on the STSG recipient sites was 5× more than the FTAM recipient sites. Additionally, the FTAMs harvested by the ART® System augmented recipient wound site healing as a result of ‘epithelial island’ expansion in contrast to Untreated control sites that closed primarily by contracture.
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