Abstract

MARTINHO, Paulo Jorge de Jesus  and  GASPAR, Pedro João Soares. Community health care service nurses’ knowledge and practice of Compression Therapy . Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2012, vol.serIII, n.6, pp.69-79. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1150.

Background: compression Therapy (CT) is widely recommended for venous ulcers as it increases healing rate and reduces costs. However, nurses need to have knowledge and technical expertise of CT before applying the treatment. Objectives: to describe the practices and assess knowledge of CT and relate these to professional experience and training. Method: observational, correlational and cross-sectional study, with a sample of 112 nurses, by administering a purpose-built questionnaire testing knowledge and practice of CT. Results: most nurses have no formal training in CT and only 25.00% apply CT. The CT knowledge scale showed good internal consistency (KR20=0,759) and low level of knowledge. Nurses with more years of professional experience showed lower knowledge of CT. Conversely, those with a higher level of training in CT showed a greater knowledge base. The most common incorrect practices were: no assessment of ABPI during CT; avoidance of use of CT in bedridden patients; and diagnosis of the ulcer as venous based solely on the wound characteristics. However, nurses give adequate care before applying the compression system, respect the contraindications of CT and invest in patient education. Conclusion: knowledge of CT is more related to formal training than to professional experience. Nurses have little training in and low knowledge of CT. Few use CT with patients and several errors in the process are reported.

Keywords : varicose ulcer; compression bandages; health, knowledge, attitudes, practice; continuing education, nursing.

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