Nursing staff’s knowledge of chronic wounds and methods of their treatment

Aim of the study
To determine the level of knowledge on chronic wounds and methods of their treatment among nursing staff as well as the factors determining the level of this knowledge.

Material and methods
In the period from November 2020 to January 2021, 145 nurses were surveyed. The diagnostic survey was applied using the questionnaire technique. The author’s single-choice questionnaire was used as the research tool.

Results
A group of 78 survey participants (53,79%) had insufficient knowledge, 59 respondents (40,69%) had sufficient knowledge, 4 respondents (2,76%) had good knowledge, and 4 respondents (2,76%) had very good knowledge. Only 30 respondents (20,69%) knew the classification used to assess a pressure ulcer wound. The correct sequence of the phases of chronic wound healing was indicated by 55 people (37,93%). Work experience in the profession of over 5 years results in a higher level of knowledge (p = 0.032). The level of knowledge among people who completed a specialist wound treatment course is significantly higher than in the others (p = 0.003).

Conclusions
The knowledge among more than half of the nursing staff about chronic wounds and methods of their treatment was insufficient. Work experience in the nursing/nurse profession and completion of a specialist course in wound treatment had a significant positive impact on the level of knowledge in the study group. Even though graduates at the master’s level have a subject on wounds and methods of their treatment in the program, the knowledge deficit was as high as in those with lower education.