PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF NURSES REGARDING MEDICAL DEVICE-RELATED PRESSURE INJURIES: AN EXPLORATORY DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPI) are prevalent, especially among acute care patients. Nurses have an undoubtedly significant role to play in its prevention. However, no research has been conducted to explore the nurses’ views on MDRPI in Singapore, leaving their perspectives concealed. Aim: This study aimed to explore nurses' perceptions and experiences regarding MDRPI in an acute hospital in Singapore. Study Design: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Methods: The study was conducted at an acute hospital in Singapore. Purposive sampling was used, and a total of 21 Enrolled and Registered nurses who had recent experiences with MDRPI were recruited from August 31 to December 11, 2018. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed to analyse the qualitative data Findings: Six themes including 19 subthemes were generated. The themes are: MDRPI are preventable but unavoidable; MDRPI prevention is everyone’s responsibility; nurses harmonise theory, reality, and expectations while managing MDRPI; medical devices are indispensable to patients; the patient’s poor prognosis hinders MDRPI treatment; and, being out of practice prevents nurses from rendering proper MDRPI care. Conclusion: This study offered insights into the nursing perceptions, experiences, challenges, and barriers regarding MDRPI. These findings could be used to develop improvements to practice and policy in acute hospitals and improve awareness of MDRPI among healthcare professionals. Moreover, these findings also inform future research studies to develop effective evidence-based practices and improve patient outcomes.