Impact of A Designed Skin Care Bundle Protocol on Nurse’s Knowledge, Practices and on Patients Outcomes at Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Pressure ulcers can affect patients in every healthcare setting and are seen in all age groups. Not only are they costly in terms of patients’ quality of life, but they also place a huge drain on health service resources.Presure ulcers represent a major problem both for affected patients and for the nurses who care for these patients. The present study aimed to examine the impact of a designed skin care bundle protocol on nurse’s knowledge, practices and on patients outcomes at both Benha university and Benha teaching hospital.Quasi experimental research design was adopted to conduct the study on (60) nurses working in the intensive care units at both Benha university and Benha teaching hospital, in addition to 60 patients admitted to these units  were included in the current study. The study subjects were randomly assigned into two equally homogeneous groups (control and study ) (30 subjects each).Three tools were used for data collection: knowledge questionnaire sheet, observational checklist and patient assessment sheet that  include Scio demographic data related to patients, Braden scale and designed skin care bundle sheet. Results: All research hypothesis were supported , the present study revealed that (a) The mean total and subtotal knowledge scores of  nurses were  increased immediately after implementation of a designed skin care bundle protocol with statistical significant difference compared to pre implementation. (b) The mean total and subtotal practice scores of nurses were higher immediately after a designed skin care bundle protocol with a high statistical significant difference compared to pre implementation.(c) There were a positive correlation between nurses knowledge and practices with a high statistical significant difference.(d)There were a positive patients outcomes as evidence by less incidence of pressure ulcers among study group compared by control group subjects. Conclusion: The designed skin care bundle protocol could be beneficial in improving the knowledge and the practices of the critical care nurses working in critical care unit as well on patient’s outcome in relation to prevention of pressure ulcer  at the intensive care unit. Recommendations: The present study emphasized on empowering staff nurses to provide skin care bundle protocol and identifying risk assessment. As well, planning staff development programs based on staff,organization,and patient needs.

Key words: Impact, designed, skin care bundle, protocol, knowledge, practices, outcomes.