Registered nurses’ experiences of preventing pressure ulcers at a person receiving care at a hospital in Peru : a qualitative study

Abstract: Background Globally pressures ulcers are commonly seen as hospital acquired injuries with negative consequences for the persons such as pain, suffering and also incurring high costs for society. Preventing the occurrence of pressure ulcers is an important part of nursing care and a professional responsibility for registered nurses. Person-centered care is one of the core competencies for registered nurses. Involving the person in their care and increasingthe person’s knowledge about preventive strategies, person-centered care is of great value in the prevention of pressure ulcer. Aim The aim of this study was to describe registered nurses’ experiences of preventing theoccurrence of pressure ulcers in persons receiving care in a hospital setting in Peru. Method A qualitative method was used with semi-structured interviews which were conducted at a hospital in Peru. Seven registered nurses participated in this study. The data was analyzed with a qualitative content analysis. Findings The findings of this study are presented under three categories formed during the data analysis: Incorporating pressure ulcer prevention into general nursing care, recognition of the need to develop knowledge about pressure ulcers and awareness of professional responsibilities in nursing care. Conclusion Providing nursing care, following closely hospital guidelines, provides a systematic way to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers in persons receiving hospital care. It is important that the nurse includes the person in the care process. The registered nurses underlined the importance of education in prevention strategies.