EVALUATION OF NURSING INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT PRESSURE ULCERS IN CHRONICALLY ILL PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY HEALTHCARE SETTING IN DISTRICT MARDAN

Abstract

Background Pressure ulcers are a major patient safety concern and an important indicator of the quality of nursing care, particularly among chronically ill patients who experience prolonged immobility and extended hospital stays. Effective nursing interventions play a central role in preventing pressure ulcer development in tertiary healthcare settings. Objective To evaluate nursing interventions used to prevent pressure ulcers among chronically ill patients in a tertiary healthcare setting in district Mardan. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 registered nurses working in medical, surgical, and critical care units of a tertiary healthcare facility in district Mardan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from international pressure ulcer prevention guidelines. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.884). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test. Results The findings revealed that nurses demonstrated good knowledge and generally positive practices regarding pressure ulcer prevention. Regular risk assessment (mean = 4.22 ± 1.04), repositioning (mean = 4.05 ± 1.15), skin care, and collaboration (mean = 4.27 ± 1.08) were commonly practiced. However, high workload (reported by 89% participants), limited staffing, and inadequate availability of pressure-relieving equipment were identified as major barriers to effective prevention. Inferential analysis using the Chi-square test revealed statistically significant associations between nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention and educational qualification (p = 0.020), clinical experience (p = 0.010), and formal training (p = 0.001). Nursing practice was significantly associated with clinical experience (p = 0.014), work area (p = 0.033), and formal training (p = 0.002). Conclusion Although nurses possess adequate knowledge regarding pressure ulcer prevention, institutional and resource-related challenges limit consistent implementation of preventive interventions. Strengthening organizational support, ensuring adequate staffing, and improving access to preventive resources are essential to reduce pressure ulcer incidence.