Conectar
To describe the development and implementation of evidence-based teaching strategies for assessing and classifying pressure injuries in older nursing home individuals ≥ 60 years old with darker skin tones.
Pressure injury assessment learning interventions based on pre- and post-test assessments.
The learning interventions were developed by experts in pressure injury education and were based on empirical evidence, international clinical practice guidelines, and underpinned by social constructivism theory and the integrated interactive teaching model. The teaching strategy was developed to educate research assistants in the assessment of pressure injuries in darker skin tone individuals. The content included requisite knowledge and skills for pressure injury assessment and classification in darker skinned individuals. Using evidence-based teaching strategies, the content was delivered through face-to-face lectures, small group discussions, and practical application sessions delivered using classroom and practical-based activities. Photographic images were used to assess their knowledge and skills in classifying pressure injuries. Four Bachelor of Nursing-qualified registered nurses in Sri Lanka were recruited as research assistants using the new education resource. Using scores from 1 to 20 points, mastery of the theory and practice components was assessed.
The mean pre-test score was 9 ± 1.6 (95% confidence interval 6.4–11.6), demonstrating that assessment and classification of pressure injury knowledge were lacking. The mean post-test score was 16 ± 0.8 (95% confidence interval 14.7–17.3) indicating an improvement in the participants' ability to assess and staging pressure injuries.
Early pressure injury detection among older individuals with darker skin tones is challenging. This evidence-based teaching approach can be used to educate clinical nurses and research assistants in assessing pressure injuries in individuals with darker skin tones.
This study contributes to the body of knowledge by improving the early detection and accurate classification of pressure injuries in older nursing home residents with darker skin tones, addressing a significant gap in current nursing practice.
To measure the prevalence and incidence of nursing home-acquired pressure injuries in older adults residing in Sri Lankan nursing homes.
Pressure injury prevalence and incidence are indicators of safety and quality of care. A significant portion of the global population has a skin color dominated by the presence of melanin. Yet, the number of nursing home residents with darker skin tones who develop pressure injuries in nursing homes is relatively unknown.
Prospective multisite cohort study conducted in nine nursing homes in Sri Lanka. The sample comprised 210 residents aged ≥60 years old.
Semi structured observations and chart audits were used to gather data from July to October 2023. Head-to-toe visual skin assessment to check for nursing home- acquired pressure injuries, Braden pressure injury risk scale and Fitzpatrick skin tone assessments were conducted on all recruited residents at baseline. All recruited residents were followed-up weekly for 12 weeks until detection of a new pressure injury, death, discharge, or transfer.
Pressure injury point prevalence at baseline was 8.1% (17/210). Cumulative incidence was 17.1% (36/210). Incidence density was 15.8 per 1000 resident weeks. Most nursing home-acquired pressure injuries were located on the ankle at baseline (29.4%; 5/17) and in the follow-up period (27.8%; 10/36). Stage I pressure injuries were most common: 58.8% (10/17) and 44.4% (16/36) at baseline and during follow-up respectively.
About one in six nursing home residents developed a new pressure injury over the 12-week follow-up period. Despite staff and resource constraints, there remains a need to focus on the prevention of pressure injuries in Sri Lankan nursing homes.
Studies on the burden of pressure injuries among darker skin tone nursing home residents are lacking and the current evidence available are predominantly from Western countries. The findings of this study highlight the need of targeted preventive measures for nursing home residents with darker skin tones.
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