Training program for caregivers to prevent pressure ulcers among elderly residents at geriatric homes

Abstract

Objectives: Pressure ulcer (PU) is one of the most common problem among the bedridden elderly and has significantly more burden on elderly and caregivers. This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of the training program for caregivers to prevent PUs among elderly residents at geriatric homes. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to carry out the current study. A purposive sample comprised of all formal (39 nurses) or informal caregivers (39) and all immobilized elderly residents (35) who are found in all geriatric centers in Helwan district. A structured questionnaire was used to assess caregivers' socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and observational checklists for their practice for prevention of PU at pre- and posttest and during follow-up. Results: After the training program, there were improvements in the level of knowledge, practice, and positive attitude of caregivers about PU prevention with a statistically significant difference between pre-, post-, and follow-up training programs (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The study revealed that the training program seemed to change the knowledge, practice, and attitude of the subjects to PU prevention. This, in turn, implies that adequate knowledge affects directly the elderly caregivers' attitudes as well as practice for prevention could be important in reducing the burden of PU among the elderly. Thus, conducting a training program for caregivers at different geriatric homes about caring skills for elders can prevent PU, and using spontaneous reposition is very effective to prevent PUs.