Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pressure ulcer (PU) care is pivotal in the practice of nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, nurses must possess adequate knowledge about the potential risks leading to the development of PUs, as well as managing complications that worsen patient conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of knowledge of ICU nurses concerning PU prevention in tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the researchers recruited 320 ICU nurses from four tertiary hospitals using convenience sampling. Nurses' knowledge regarding PU prevention was assessed using the revised and updated version of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT) 2.0. Data were collected between May and June 2022. The CROSS checklist was observed for reporting. RESULTS: The mean scores of nurses' level of knowledge regarding PU prevention according to the themes of the revised and updated version of the PUKAT 2.0 were as follows-etiology: 62.81 ± 23.77; classification and observation: 50.86 ± 23.28; risk assessment: 31.19 ± 24.26; nutritious diet: 46.04 ± 25.96; prevention: 22.36 ± 12.41; and specific patient groups: 14.84 ± 22.88. Furthermore, the score for nurses' overall level of knowledge of PU prevention was 39.55 ± 8.84 out of 100, interpreted as low based on the 60% cutoff; the minimum knowledge score was 0. Notably, knowledge of PU etiology, classification, observation, and specific patient groups differed based on the hospital of affiliation. Interestingly, gender was the only demographic characteristic based on which nurses' knowledge regarding specific patient groups differed. CONCLUSION: This study identified insufficient knowledge among ICU nurses regarding PU prevention, which can lead to complications among patients. Simulation scenarios related to PU prevention and management will be an effective way to help nurses gain appropriate knowledge that can be applied in clinical practice.