Factors influencing nurses' choice of wound care products

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing nurses, working in surgical wards in a Maltese General Hospital, when selecting wound care products. A descriptive non-experimental design was used to fulfil these objectives. A convenience sample of twenty nurses working in surgical wards was selected for this study. A questionnaire, constructed by the researcher, was used as the data collection tool. A 100% response rate was achieved. Findings show that both consultants and nursing colleagues are a major influence among nurses in their selection of wound care products. Furthermore, the clinical assessment of the wound was established to be a common criterion on which nurses base their choice of wound care products. Research based evidence, however, does not seem to influence many of the respondents, as it did not rate very high. Several recommendations for future research studies, including the assessment of nurses' current practice and knowledge on wound care in general, have been made by the researcher.