CRITICAL CARE NURSES AND PRESSURE INJURY PREVENTION: KNOWLEDGE, CHALLENGES, AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS

Abstract

Background: Pressure injuries are a major patient safety issue in critical care settings, where immobility, complex conditions, and high workload increase risk. Nurses play a key role in prevention; however, knowledge gaps and workplace barriers may limit effective practice, especially in resource-limited settings such as South Punjab, Pakistan. Objective: To assess critical care nurses’ knowledge, perceived barriers, and the relationship between knowledge and barriers regarding pressure injury prevention. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 registered nurses working in ICUs and CCUs of tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including the pressure injuries Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT) and an 11-item perceived barriers scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The mean age was 28.61 ± 6.60 years, and 55% were female. Overall, 63% of nurses had satisfactory knowledge, while 37% had inadequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 15.13 ± 4.87. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.044). Major barriers included lack of written protocols, overcrowding, and inadequate staffing. A significant negative correlation was found between knowledge and perceived barriers (r ≈ -0.72, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Critical care nurses demonstrated moderate knowledge with significant organizational barriers. Strengthening continuous education, implementing standardized pressure injury prevention protocols, improving staffing and resource allocation, and enhancing institutional support are essential to improve preventive practices and patient safety in critical care settings.