Knowledge status of skin tear prevention and its demographic and occupational influencing factors: A National cross-sectional survey among nurses

Aim: A skin tear (ST) is a common skin injury that is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. This study examined the current state of nurses' ST knowledge and its influencing factors. Design: A national cross-sectional survey combined with a quantitative analysis was used to provide evidence of poor ST knowledge among nurses and its influencing factors. Methods: An electronic questionnaire survey was conducted among 1293 nurses from 32 hospitals in 18 provinces across China, including a General Information Questionnaire, ST Knowledge Assessment Instrument (OASES) and a Self-directed Learning Competence Scale for Nurses (SLCS-N). Results: The mean OASES score was 9.51 +/- 3.15, with a score rate of 47.55%. Pearson's correlation analysis showed positive correlations, ranging from none to strong, between every dimension in the OASES and from strong to extremely strong between every dimension in the SLCS-N. Multivariate analysis revealed multiple independent factors influencing ST knowledge, such as hospital tier, specialized nurses in wound/ostomy/incontinence care, participation in training for wound/ostomy/incontinence management, willingness to undergo ST training, self-assessed grade in ST care and the degree of emphasis of managers. Conclusion: ST knowledge status was generally poor among nurses nationwide. Managers should establish a comprehensive and specialized curriculum-based system, develop evidence-based standardized nursing processes, and provide tailored training programs to address nurses' unique characteristics and individualized needs, thereby enhancing their proficiency in ST-related knowledge and skills. Impact: This study is the first to identify a poor level of ST knowledge among nurses nationwide, particularly in the four dimensions of risk assessment: prevention, treatment, classification, and observation. Based on the findings regarding demographic factors and ST experiences, an integrated management system and educational program should be implemented to improve nurses' awareness and knowledge in this field. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contributions.