Determination of Nurses’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Medical Device-related Pressure Injuries

OBJECTIVE: To determine nurses’ level of knowledge and attitudes toward medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs). METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital between April and July 2024. Data were collected using the Nurse Descriptive Characteristics Form, Medical Device Associated Pressure Injury Knowledge Scale, and Attitude Scale for Prevention of Medical Device Associated Pressure Injury. RESULTS: The mean MDRPI knowledge score of the nurses was 13.37 ± 2.7 (maximum, 19), and the mean MDRPI attitude score was 46.0 ± 6.4 (maximum, 55). The findings revealed a significant correlation between the mean age and working experience, the unit in which they worked, the setting where they received MDRPI training, and MDRPI knowledge levels. A significant relationship was also observed between the nurses’ MDRPI reporting status, pressure injury and MDRPI training status, MDRPI total knowledge score, and attitude levels. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings revealed that nurses exhibited low levels of knowledge regarding MDRPI and a favorable attitude toward MDRPI prevention and care behaviors. In light of these findings, the authors recommend that institutional administrators integrate MDRPI training into in-service training programs and that MDRPI education be incorporated into the nursing programs. Further studies should be conducted with different sample groups.