Investigating nurses' self-efficacy in pressure injury management within surgical services

Abstract

BACKGROUND: New research is crucial in addressing the role of nurses in preventing pressure injuries (PIs) and remedying deficiencies in their self-efficacy in this area. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the self-efficacy perceptions of nurses in managing PIs within surgical services. METHODS: The study involved 186 nurses from surgical services. Data were collected using a self-efficacy scale and a personal information form designed to assess nurses' PI management skills. Analysis involved descriptive (number, percentile) and inferential statistics (ANOVA, t- s) in SPSS-24. RESULTS: Surgical nurses reported their self-efficacy in managing PIs with a mean score of 47.38 ± 21.87 on a self-efficacy scale, indicating a broad range of perceptions. Average scores were 43.55 ± 23.47 for evaluation, 48.39 ± 25.65 for planning, 43.68 ± 25.34 for surveillance, and 50.64 ± 22.23 for decision-making. Of note, nurses reported the lowest self-efficacy scores for evaluation. No significant differences were found based on employment duration, gender, or education. Significant differences were observed based on age, service level, and post-graduate education (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for enhanced nurse self-efficacy in PI management in surgical services, emphasizing the role of education programs focused on evaluation skills.