Nurses’ performance regarding use of Braden scale for predicting pressure ulcers among critically ill patients: self learning package

BACKGROUND: Braden scale is one of the most effective tools used to perform an accurate skin assessment among critically ill patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of self learning package on nurses' performance regarding use of Braden scale for predicting pressure ulcers among critically ill patients. DESIGN: A Quasi-experimental (Pretest-Posttest) design was utilized. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at El Fayoum University Hospital. SUBJECTS: A convenient sample of all available nurses (60) working in previously mentioned setting. DATA COLLECTION TOOLS: Data were obtained through three main tools; Tool (I): Structured nurses' assessment tool, Tool (II): Observational questionnaire for nurses' practice and Tool (III): Nurses' attitude questionnaire. Reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of (0.87), ensuring robust internal consistency, validity was assessed using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = 0.85) and Bartlett's test (p < 0.001). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference of overall nurses' knowledge, practice and attitude between pre and post self learning package implementation (P = 0.000). There was significant statistical correlation between studied nurses' knowledge and their practice (r = 0.497, P = 0.000), between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.379, P = 0.001), also between nurses' attitude and their practice (r = 0.438, P = 0.000) after self-learning package implementation. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the self-learning package regarding the use of Braden scale for predicting pressure ulcers among critically ill patients had a positive significant effect on nurses' knowledge, practice and attitude. RECOMMENDATIONS: Self-learning package regarding the use of Braden scale for predicting pressure ulcers among critically ill patients should be available and applied in all intensive care units to be followed by all nurses and should be updated periodically.