Educational program enhances perioperative nurses’ knowledge on pressure injury prevention

Editor's Note

A study led by researchers at Yeshiva University showed an educational intervention program significantly improved perioperative nurses’ understanding of pressure-injury prevention, with the benefits lasting for at least six months following the training. Results were published August 23 in Applied Nursing Research.

Conducted among 354 nurses from 11 acute care hospitals, the longitudinal study evaluated changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding pressure injury prevention (based on AORN guidelines) at one week and six months post-intervention. Findings revealed that nurses’ knowledge scores significantly increased after the educational program and remained higher than pre-intervention levels at the six-month mark, though scores were still considered moderate, with an average below 72%.

Most nurses reported implementing prevention strategies, though only half regularly conducted daily risk assessments. Attitudes toward pressure injury prevention were neutral, indicating neither strong positive nor negative perspectives.  

“This study demonstrated that educational interventions can significantly improve nurses’ knowledge of pressure-injury prevention in perioperative services,” said Dr. Peggy Tallier, senior author of the paper and senior associate dean of the Katz School’s Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate in Nursing, in a recent announcement. “However, it also points to the need for continued education and greater emphasis on daily risk assessments and practical behaviors.” 

The study emphasizes the critical need for integrating comprehensive guidelines, such as those recommended by AORN, into clinical practice to mitigate the risk of pressure injuries, which significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Surgical patients are at elevated risk due to immobility during procedures, with postoperative HAPI rates reaching 18.96%.

By targeting perioperative nurses’ education, the program seeks to reduce HAPI incidence, improve patient safety, and alleviate the economic burden, which exceeds $26.8 billion annually in the U.S. Further strategies are recommended to sustain knowledge improvements and strengthen daily preventive practices.