Assessment of nurses' level of knowledge of the management of chronic wounds.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic wounds are a challenge and a major cause of morbidity. A wound is considered chronic if healing does not occur within the expected time frame depending on the etiology and location of the wound. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of knowledge about chronic wound management of postgraduate nurses in different areas of the health system and their previous satisfaction with the training received during their undergraduate studies. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a health system of 95,000 inhabitants and 557 nursing professionals working in it. PARTICIPANTS: Nurses working in the study health system and in areas with care for patients with chronic wounds in social, primary and hospital care. RESULTS: Survey results described a low knowledge of chronic wound management in general. Data on knowledge according to area of work showed that nurses in primary care had the highest knowledge of wound etiology. Nurses working in health and social care were most knowledgeable in diagnostic knowledge. Hospital nurses showed the lowest knowledge overall. A relationship was observed when nurses had a master's degree followed by an expert with better knowledge in the test. In addition, nurses reported little training in chronic wounds during their university studies (69.73 %, n = 106). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, a review of this point should be considered to improve the management of chronic wounds and their correct approach among nursing students. A review of continuing and even specialised training needs in the clinical care setting should also be considered.