NYC Gazette

A recent study has shown that an educational intervention program significantly improved perioperative nurses' understanding of pressure-injury prevention, with the benefits lasting for at least six months following the training. The study, published in Applied Nursing Research, is titled "The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Perioperative Registered Nurse’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Towards Pressure Injury Prevention in Surgical Patients."

The research tracked the progress of 354 registered nurses from 11 hospitals using guidelines from the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) for preventing pressure injuries in surgical patients.

"This study demonstrated that educational interventions can significantly improve nurses’ knowledge of pressure-injury prevention in perioperative services," said Dr. Peggy Tallier, senior author of the paper and senior associate dean of the Katz School’s Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate in Nursing. "However, it also points to the need for continued education and greater emphasis on daily risk assessments and practical behaviors."

Pressure injuries are particularly common due to lack of mobility during and after surgery. Other studies have found that approximately 19% of postoperative patients experience hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), costing an average of $10,700 per patient and contributing significantly to the annual U.S. healthcare burden, which exceeds $26.8 billion.

Recognizing this issue, AORN has recommended that healthcare organizations implement thorough prevention programs that include risk assessments, prevention strategies, and education.

"These injuries not only harm patients physically and emotionally but also pose a financial burden on the healthcare system," said Dr. Patricia Reineke, co-author of the paper and director of clinical education for the nursing program. "This new research aims to bridge the gap in awareness among nurses by providing targeted education."

To address remaining gaps, researchers suggest integrating pressure-injury prevention education into nursing curricula and reinforcing these strategies in annual hospital training programs. Further research is needed to better understand the connection between nurses' attitudes and their behavior in clinical settings.

"Pressure injuries continue to be a serious issue for patients and hospitals alike," added Dr. Tallier. "But with improved education and consistent preventive strategies, the risks can be reduced."