Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure injuries or bedsores, are localized skin and tissue injuries that develop due to prolonged pressure, shear, or friction, particularly in immobile patients. These injuries are a significant concern in healthcare settings, contributing to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Proper risk assessment is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers, and nurses play a central role in early identification and intervention through standardized risk assessment tools such as the Braden Scale, Norton Scale, and Waterlow Scale (Adeyemi & Bello, 2023).
Despite the availability of these tools, research suggests that many nurses either lack sufficient knowledge or fail to implement them effectively in clinical practice (Okonkwo et al., 2023). At Gombe State Specialist Hospital, the extent of nurses' knowledge and adherence to pressure ulcer risk assessment protocols remains unclear. Given the rising cases of pressure ulcers among hospitalized patients, there is a need to evaluate nurses' proficiency in identifying at-risk patients and implementing preventive strategies.
This study seeks to assess nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools, examine their implementation in clinical practice, and identify barriers affecting their effective use.
Pressure ulcers remain a critical issue in Nigerian hospitals, particularly among bedridden and critically ill patients. Despite established guidelines for prevention, studies indicate that many nurses lack adequate training in the use of risk assessment tools, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention (Olawale & Yusuf, 2024). Poor implementation of pressure ulcer prevention strategies contributes to increased patient suffering, prolonged hospital stays, and financial burdens on healthcare systems.
At Gombe State Specialist Hospital, the level of nurses' awareness and utilization of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools has not been systematically evaluated. Without proper knowledge and consistent implementation, pressure ulcer prevention efforts may be ineffective. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding pressure ulcer risk assessment tools and propose strategies to enhance their use.
H₀: Nurses at Gombe State Specialist Hospital have low knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools.
H₁: Nurses at Gombe State Specialist Hospital have high knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools.
H₀: Nurses do not effectively implement pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in clinical practice.
H₁: Nurses effectively implement pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in clinical practice.
H₀: There are no significant challenges affecting the use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools among nurses.
H₁: Significant challenges affect the use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools among nurses.
This study will focus on nurses working in medical, surgical, and intensive care units at Gombe State Specialist Hospital. Limitations may include variations in hospital policies regarding pressure ulcer prevention and reliance on self-reported data from nurses.
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