Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng YW (1), Lee KL (2) , Pang TH (1), Tsang KY (2), Tsang WS (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
(2) Department of Medicine, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) are localized wounds caused by prolonged compression of tissues between bony prominences and external surfaces during a hospital stay. Despite being preventable, insufficient early detection and intervention can result in severe consequences, including prolonged hospitalization, higher readmission rates, patient suffering, and even premature death. Nurses and patient care assistants (PCAs) play a pivotal role in preventing these injuries through the proper use of preventive devices, such as pressure-relieving mattresses, cushions, and positioning aids. Continuous education and training are essential to ensure that healthcare staff can effectively use these tools and tailor interventions to individual patient needs.
Objectives :
This project aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of nurses and PCAs in pressure injury prevention within acute medical settings. It sought to develop and disseminate educational materials outlining the correct use of preventive devices and positioning techniques. Additionally, the initiative aimed to foster a culture of safety and enhance patient outcomes by equipping healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to implement evidence-based prevention practices.
Methodology :
A quasi-experimental design was implemented in two acute medical wards at United Christian Hospital, targeting nurses, PCAs, and nursing students. Educational interventions included a training video and handmade posters on the use of pressure-relieving devices. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were administered in August 2024, and ward rounds emphasizing pressure injury prevention reinforced the training. The intervention’s effectiveness was assessed by analyzing improvement in pre- and post-test questionnaires.
Result & Outcome :
Sixty participants completed the questionnaires, with PCAs (56.7%) being the largest group, followed by nurses (36.7%) and nursing students (6.7%). Pre-test median scores improved from 8/10 to 9/10, and mean scores increased from 7.62/10 to 8.9/10. Improvements were noted across all groups, with PCA scores rising from 7.62/10 to 9.09/10, nurse scores from 7.86/10 to 8.95/10, and student scores from 6.25/10 to 7/10. Nearly all questionnaire items showed improved accuracy. While promising, these results highlight the need for broader and longer-term implementation to achieve sustained knowledge enhancement. Future initiatives should incorporate ongoing education, audits, and documentation reviews to strengthen outcomes.
