Abstract

Preventing pressure ulcer has been a nursing concern for many years. The use of risk assessment scales to predict the development of pressure ulcer before it occurs is essential. This study aimed at examining factors that influence the nurses' use of risk assessment scales for predicting pressure ulcer among patients of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study, and 91 nurses working in the male and female inpatient wards of National Orthopedic Hospital participated in the study. An overwhelming majority [80 (88%)] of the respondents attributed lack of educational training, lack of institutional policy [70 (76.9%)] and no provision of risk assessment forms [51 (56%)] as the major factors affecting nurses’ use of risk assessment scale. Findings also revealed that only 34 (37.4%) of the respondents have had formal training on risk assessment scale and 51 (56%) of the respondents positively view risk assessment scale as the most appropriate tool for predicting pressure ulcer risk. However, significant relationship reveals that factors have positive impact on usage of risk assessment scale. It was recommended that in-service training or conferences should be organized for nurses working in the setting of the study on how to use risk assessment scales. Also, hospital management should provide policy on use of risk assessment scale and ensure availability of forms to carry out risk assessments to detect pressure ulcer early and improve nursing care of patients.

Key words: Pressure ulcer, risk assessment scale, nurses, Enugu State.