Knowledge and practice of informal caregivers on pressure injury prevention and treatment among patients receiving palliative care

Abstract

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) are prevalent in palliative care. Lack of knowledge and skills among informal caregivers on PI prevention and management contributes significantly to the occurance or deterioration of PIs. Aim: The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the level of knowledge and practices of informal caregivers on PI prevention and treatment; (2) explore the socio-demographic characteristics of informal caregivers that influence PI prevention and treatment among patients who need palliative care. Methods: The quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used to collect data from 146 informal caregivers, and a valid and reliable questionnaire was used. Results: A total of 146 informal caregivers of patients with PI completed the study. Most participants had a relatively low level of PI prevention, treatment knowledge and practice. Participants who were older than 28 years, working for the government and married had significantly better knowledge and practice of PI prevention and treatment than other participants. Conclusion: Information for informal caregivers in different settings about PI prevention and treatment is needed. Informal caregivers need to acquire more professional practices and knowledge to improve the quality of patient care.