The ability of critical care nurses to identify pressure injury and incontinence-associated dermatitis: A multicentre cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the ability of critical care nurses to identify pressure injury and incontinence-associated dermatitis and analyse the possible influencing factors. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: This study was conducted at 24 hospitals across 12 provinces in China. A self-made electronic questionnaire was used. Nurses identified and judged injuries according to the information provided. Results: The average identification score for pressure injury and incontinence-associated dermatitis was 9.00 ± 3.51 points, and only 2.16% of nurses scored ≥16 points. The average correct identification rate for pressure injury and incontinence-associated dermatitis was 45%. The correct identification rate for stage 1 pressure injury was the highest, while those for stage 3, stage 4, deep tissue pressure injury and unstageable pressure injury were all lower than 50%; incontinence-associated dermatitis was also easily misjudged. Nurses' educational backgrounds, professional titles, job positions, hospital levels and learning frequency were the factors that affected their ability to identify pressure injury and incontinence-associated dermatitis.