Post-operative wound management : nurses' knowledge and practices

Abstract

Despite the plethora of information available about wound care, many research findings suggest that nurses lack research-based knowledge regarding wound management. Other findings suggest that there are other factors that influence nurses' practice. The purpose of this study was to identify Maltese qualified nurses' knowledge regarding postoperative wound management; and to explore factors that influence nurses' practice in this area of nursing. A questionnaire was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from fourteen qualified nurses working on two surgical wards in the local hospital. The results confirmed the lack of research-based knowledge regarding the use of wound cleansing solutions and dressing materials. Findings from this study revealed that the factors that seem to influence nurses' practice include hierarchical pressures (especially from medical staff), and a lack of assertiveness. Furthermore, a lack of opportunities to express their opinions about wound care issues; and the unavailability of a variety of wound cleansing solutions and dressing materials, have also been identified as being influential.