Evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and nurses on preventative strategies for patients considered as vulnerable to pressure ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are considered to be a major burden to individuals, affecting their physical, mental, and social wellbeing, their engagement in activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as hindering their progress in the therapeutic journey. This affects the individuals’ overall quality of life. For this reason, prevention of pressure ulcers is considered of paramount importance, with an interprofessional approach being promoted as best practice for prevention. However, to date, there is little research on this subject, and thus, the aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physiotherapists (PTs) and Nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention in a local rehabilitation service setting. Methods: This study used a quantitative approach to collect data, using an online anonymous questionnaire developed by the researcher, which was disseminated to the total population of OTs, PTs, and Nurses working in a rehabilitation hospital through intermediaries. These professionals were all invited to participate in order to gather data regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices on pressure ulcer prevention and related issues. Results: A total of 32 professionals opted to participate in this research, consisting of 15 Nurses, 10 OTs, and 7 PTs, all working in a rehabilitation hospital. Results show that the majority of professionals agree that this issue should be taken care of through a multidisciplinary team effort, and that they professed to have overall good knowledge, with participants most often reporting they are “Very knowledgeable” or “Moderately knowledgeable” in different aspects of this subject. The majority of participants also reported to have overall positive attitudes towards the prevention of pressure ulcers and education on the subject. Reports on practices carried out seemed to vary, and there were certain practices that were not being carried out as often as they should be to ensure good prevention of pressure ulcers. Discussion: The professionals who opted to participate acknowledge the importance of pressure ulcer prevention as a multidisciplinary concern, even though some practices were reported to not be routinely addressed, especially areas of re-assessment for skin deterioration, pressure relief requirements and the usage of pressure mapping tools, which was reported to be rarely used if at all. The majority of participants feel that more research should be done on this subject to keep up with new updates and to ensure the application of evidence-based practice.