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08SCIENCE, PRACTICE AND EDUCATION mortality and morbidity, increased healthcare costs, It is important to educate patients’ relatives, as they prolonged hospital stay and reduced quality of life for are members of the care team, about the prevention the patients and their families. 13,14,15 These negative of PIs and to develop innovative technology-based effects have led to an increased awareness regarding approaches in these education efforts, since they play the implementation of prevention strategies. 13,16 The an important role in the care team. Our clinical ex- evaluation of patients’ risk of developing PI; assess- periences and observations indicate that encourag- ment and proper care of the skin; measures to reduce ing and entertaining educational materials used in the effects of pressure, friction and shear; regulation the education of patients’ relatives is supportive in of nutrition; and continuing education practices are increasing their participation and compliance with among the strategies for the prevention of PIs. 1,2,3 educational activities. Within the scope of this study, we aimed to develop a digital medical game (DMG), Studies on the prevention of PIs can be difficult, es- which uses the gamification approach and is among pecially due to the lack of access to resources and the most-used technological education methods, for opportunities for education in home care. 16 In the the education of patients’ relatives on the preven- home care process, patients’ relatives often take on tion of PIs. significant tasks as caregivers. 17,18 They play a sup- portive role in this process by being included in the Study procedure care team, ensuring the coordination and continuity This doctoral project, supported by a research grant of care 17,19 and in the success of person-centred PI provided to young researchers by the European prevention strategies. 20 In this context, the educa- Wound Management Association (EWMA), is car- tion of healthcare professionals and patients’ relatives ried out in three stages (Figure 1). Ethical approvals constitute the most important stage in the implemen- and permissions for the study were obtained, and the tation of PI prevention strategies and for ensuring pilot test stage for the DMG was initiated. compliance with these strategies. 1,16,20 The original language of the game developed as part A wide variety of methods and approaches, such of this study was designed in Turkish, and English as classroom education, web-based education and subtitles were added, with the idea of providing an distance education, are used in the education of opportunity for its use among a wider population. healthcare professionals, especially nurses, for the pre- vention of PIs. 21,22 Today, along with technological After the completion of the DMG’s pilot test, Stage advancements in all aspects of life, there have been 3 of the study (Implementation of the DMG) will innovations and developments in education methods be initiated. The study participants for inclusion in applied in all fields of health. In this context, the Stage 3 will consist of relatives of the patients receiv- concept of digital education has begun to be used ing home care services and hospital care. Interviews and investigated. 23,24 are currently being conducted by the researcher to determine eligible participants from among a pool It is important to include patients’ family members of volunteer patient relatives. in all care processes to ensure the success of the dis- ease management efforts and the improvement of KEY MESSAGES health. 19 Within the scope of this practice, which n Pressure injuries (PIs) are a major health problem constitutes the basis of the person-centred care phi- all over the world. losophy 17,19 , it is necessary to educate, strengthen and increase the health culture of any relatives who take n The education of patients’ relatives and healthcare care of the patient. 17 A significant contribution can professionals is important for the prevention of PIs. be made to this process with the use of comprehen- sible, easily accessible and usable, scientific knowl- n It is necessary to develop innovative methods and edge-based technological education approaches. 25 approaches to the education of patients’ relatives on Although there are more innovative methods and the prevention of PIs. m studies used for the education of health professionals on PIs 21,22 , the number of studies on the education of patients and their relatives is limited. 16 62 JOURNAL OF WOUND MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN WOUND MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONPage 1Page 3