Formal Caregiver Experiences of Caring for Individuals at Risk for or with a Pressure Injury: A Metasynthesis.

OBJECTIVE

To explore formal caregiver experiences caring for patients with a pressure injury (PI) or who are at risk of developing a PI.

DATA SOURCES

In November 2019, the researchers searched CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and MEDLINE databases for articles related to caregivers and their experiences with PI prevention and care.

STUDY SELECTION

Twenty-eight qualitative studies were included in this review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Literature was graded and critiqued with regard to design and research quality and then synthesized utilizing a narrative approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Four themes were found within the literature: knowledge and education, environment and resources, collaboration and role clarity, and risk assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Across healthcare settings, formal caregivers noted the importance of effective PI knowledge and education. Recognizing both barriers and facilitators to PI prevention and management within the healthcare environment can help decision-makers make informed choices to improve PI management within their settings. In addition, developing interprofessional team skills and relationships, rather than practicing in silos, may have an impact on PI management. Although there are many interventions that reduce PI risk and assist in the management of PIs, not every intervention is appropriate for every healthcare setting. Clinician education on PIs, along with new interventions, could significantly impact the effectiveness of patient care.