[Pressure ulcer prevention--evaluation of awarness in families of patients at risk].

UNLABELLED

Widespread use of risk assessing scales and standards in health care of chronically ill patients resulted in improvement of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment in institutional care. However many bed-ridden patients depend on awareness and preparation of families and caregivers, who provide home care after discharge from the hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of pressure ulcers prevention in families of patient at risk.

METHODS

During a 4 month period, 62 caregivers (78% family members and 22% non-related) filled out the questionnaire enquiring about the issue related to pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.

RESULTS

Only 11% of questioned person knew what the pressure ulcer was, 42% of caregivers were not aware of possible pressure ulcer causes, and 54.8% were not able to mention any pressure ulcer risk factor. Most of caregivers did not know basic principles of prevention including devices useful in pressure ulcer prevention, did not know about pressure reducing mattresses nor dressings used in pressure ulcers treatment. Fifty three percent of questioned persons never received any information about pressure ulcer prevention, and only 23% received such information from nurses--which reflects low involvement of professional staff in education of families of patients at risk in principles of pressure ulcers prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Families and caregivers of bed-ridden patients have insufficient knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. Contribution of medical staff in education of families of patients at risk in pressure ulcer prevention is minimal, indicating the need of preparation and implementation of an educational program for bed-ridden patients' caregivers.