Pressure-relieving equipment: promoting its correct use amongst nurses via differing modes of educational delivery

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To examine the impact of written and verbal education on bed-making practices, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers.

Background: The Department of Health has set targets for a 5% reduction per annum in the incidence of pressure ulcers. Electric profiling beds with a visco-elastic polymer mattress are a new innovation in pressure ulcer prevention; however, mattress efficacy is reduced by tightly tucking sheets around the mattress.

Design: A prospective randomized pre/post-test experimental design.

Methods: Ward managers at a teaching hospital were approached to participate in the study. Two researchers independently examined the tightness of the sheets around the mattresses. Wards were randomized to one of two groups. Groups A and B received written education. In addition, group B received verbal education on alternate days for one week. Beds were re-examined one month later. One researcher was blinded to the educational delivery received by the wards.

Results: Twelve wards agreed to participate in the study and 245 beds were examined. Before education, 113 beds (46%) had sheets tucked correctly around the mattresses. Following education, this increased to 215 beds (87.8%) (chi2 = 68.03, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of correctly made beds between the two different education groups: 100 (87.72%) beds correctly made in group A vs. 115 (87.79%) beds in group B (chi2 = 0, P = 0.987).

Conclusions: Clear, concise written instruction improved practice but verbal education was not additionally beneficial.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses are receptive to clear, concise written evidence regarding pressure ulcer prevention and incorporate this into clinical practice.