SCIENCE, PRACTICE AND EDUCATION DOI: 10.35279/jowm2022.23.02.10 A cross-sectional study using the skin tear knowledge assessment instrument (OASES) to assess registered nurse’s knowledge about the identification, classification, prevention, assessment, and management of skin tears in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital Elaine Formosa , Senior Staff Nurse. Karin Grech , Rehabilitation Hospital, Steward Healthcare, Malta. Samantha Holloway , Reader, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Centre for Medical Education, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Wales Correspondence: elaineformosa@gmail.com · Conflict of interest: None Keywords: Skin tears, knowledge, nurses ABSTRACT Skin tears (STs) are acute traumatic wounds caused by friction, shearing and/or blunt force that result in the rupture of skin layers, the dermis and/or epider- mis. Among the main causes are wheelchair injuries (mechanical trauma) and transfers, falls and the re- moval of adhesives. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ current knowledge of the identification, clas- sification, prevention, assessment and management of STs. The intention was to identify knowledge gaps to design an appropriate education programme for improving skills in the assessment, prevention and identification of STs; to increase awareness; and im- prove and facilitate existing knowledge of STs. The ST knowledge assessment instrument OASES was used, as this is a validated tool. A pilot phase deter- mined whether the language and content of the tool were understood, and to verify the time required to complete the survey. For the main study, a question- naire was emailed to 139 registered nurses working in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital located in Malta. In all, 101 responses were gathered over a four-week period (73.4% response rate). The overall results in- dicated knowledge deficits across the identification, prevention, assessment and management domains of STs. Results for domains related to aetiology, classification and observation, and specific patient groups showed a good level of knowledge, but risk assessment, prevention and treatment showed poor knowledge. Immediate recommendations include the adoption of best practice guidelines and proto- cols to improve nurses’ awareness and knowledge of STs. This will be facilitated by the development of an education programme to address the knowledge gaps identified. BACKGROUND Skin tears (STs) are acute traumatic wounds caused by friction, shearing and/or blunt force, resulting in the rupture of skin layers, the dermis and/or epidermis. 1 Among the main causes of STs are wheelchair injuries – which are a type of mechanical trauma – transfers, falls and the removal of adhesives. 2 Amongst elderly individuals, most STs are noted on their extremities, most commonly on the arms, the dorsal side of the hands and the lower limbs. 3 STs cause significant pain and have an effect on people’s quality of life. 3 It is essential that, with an ageing population, health 109 JOURNAL OF WOUND MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN WOUND MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
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