Use of Continuing Education to Increase Nurses' Knowledge of Chronic Wound Care Management

Background: Providing effective management of chronic wounds can be a major challenge for nurses practicing in health care systems. As the older adult population continues to increase, the prevalence of chronic health-related diseases that can lead to chronic wounds has also increased. Nurses have reported a lack of preparation in the management of chronic wounds. Method: The purpose of this pretest-posttest research designed study was to determine whether nurses' knowledge regarding current chronic wound care management would differ after attending an educational workshop that emphasized evidence-based clinical practices in chronic wound management. Results: Thirty-one nurses consented to participate. A statistically significant increase in nurses' knowledge was found from pretest (M = 13.48, SD = 2.49) to posttest (M = 16.03, SD = 2.21; t[30] = -4.50, p<.05). The majority of nurses reported referring patients to wound care specialists and believed they were inadequately prepared to care for patients with chronic wounds. Conclusion: These findings support the need for continuing education regarding changes in chronic wound care management.