Evaluation of an E-learning Program for Assessing Pressure Ulcer Risk and Pressure Ulcer Classification - a Pilot Study

Most pressure ulcers (PU)can be prevented and assessment of the patient skin and risk factors for pressure ulcers is the first step. Epidemiological studies are also an important element in the prevention of PU and requires consistent registration based on standardized definitions and tools. Staff knowledge is critical in this work. However showed a Norwegian pilot study on the prevalence of PU deficient knowledge among nursing staff in terms reliable classification of PU and PU-assessment of risk. The pilot study showed the need for training to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and to ensure data quality in future studies.

E-learning is an alternative to traditional courses and will help to streamline and standardize training by allowing a larger number of personnel be reached with this method of training. It is not designed Norwegian e-learning program that addresses the use of risk assessment instrument or classification of PU. We have developed one program to train personnel in the PU-classification and risk assessment and plan to evaluate this. The program will be an important contribution to the PU-prevention as well as the program will be used in the execution of a multicenter prevalence study of PU-prevalence.

Nurses will randomly assign to a lecture, e-learning or to a control group. The lecture and e-learning are based on the same content. The nurses will score five patient cases with braden scale before and after intervention and 20 pictures of pressure ulcers in different categories before and 40 after intervention. The control group will only do a pretest.

Inclusion criteria

• registered nurse and postgraduate nurse working at somatic ward, emergency ward, surgical department, intensive care unit,recovery, nursinghome or homecare

Exclusion criteria

• working at maternity ward, pediatric ward, psychiatric ward