Background for the study

The provision of effective wound care management is an important aspect of healthcare services
worldwide. Wounds, whether acute or chronic, pose significant challenges to patients and healthcare
systems, affecting not only their quality of life but also incurring substantial economic costs.
Registered Nurses (RNs) play a vital role in the delivery of wound care, yet the depth and breadth of
their knowledge in this critical domain remain inadequately explored (Kielo, Salminen, & Stolt, 2018
& Kielo et al., 2019; Welsh, 2018). This study aims to shed light on the existing gaps in the literature
surrounding RNs' knowledge of wound care management, highlighting the significance of addressing
this problem, and setting the stage for a comprehensive investigation.

The significance of RNs' knowledge of wound care management cannot be overstated. Wound care
encompasses a wide range of practices, from basic wound dressing changes to the management of
complex, chronic wounds. Inadequate knowledge in this area can result in subpar care, leading to
prolonged healing times, increased patient suffering, and, in some cases, avoidable complications
such as infections. (Hessa Mohammed Alharbi et al., 2019) There is a pressing need to assess the
current state of RNs' knowledge regarding wound care management, as the consequences of
inadequate expertise can be both medically and economically harmful.

The economic impact of inadequate wound care knowledge extends beyond the immediate
healthcare setting. Prolonged hospital stays, additional medical interventions, and increased use of
resources are among the consequences of subpar wound care, which can strain healthcare budgets.
Moreover, if patients experience complications due to insufficient wound care, it can lead to
readmissions, further exacerbating the financial burden on healthcare systems (Mathieu et al., 2006
& Hodgetts SKC et al., 2013). This problem becomes even more significant in the context of an aging
population, where chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and others are
becoming increasingly prevalent.

Despite the critical role of RNs in wound care management, there is a noticeable scarcity of research
that comprehensively assesses their knowledge in this area. Existing studies often focus on specific
aspects of wound care or are only specific to healthcare settings, making it challenging to form a
cohesive understanding of RNs' proficiency in wound care management. Research has also shown
that nursing students felt that they did not receive enough education about wound care during their
studies (Kielo et al., 2019b) and that when they graduated, they did not feel confident in providing
wound care (Stephen-Haynes, 2013). Furthermore, the available literature mainly focuses on specific
aspects of wound care or are confined to specific healthcare settings, making it challenging to form a
cohesive understanding of RNs' proficiency in wound care management across different contexts.
(Kielo et al., 2020).

The relevance of and need for this study boils down to two main reasons; As the healthcare industry
continually evolves and new wound care techniques and technologies emerge, it is essential to
assess whether RNs are adequately trained and updated to deliver evidence-based care. This aspect
has not been comprehensively addressed in the existing literature, requiring a more refined
investigation. The other reason is that the demographic characteristics of RNs, such as their years of
experience, educational background, and clinical settings, can also significantly influence their wound
care knowledge (Suhonen et al., 2018). Understanding how these factors overlap with RNs'
knowledge gaps is crucial for targeted interventions and educational programs.

This research aims to bridge these gaps and provide valuable insights into the following questions:
What is the current state of RNs' knowledge of wound care management in various healthcare
settings, including acute care, long-term care, and community healthcare? How do demographic
factors, such as years of experience and educational background, influence RNs' wound care
knowledge? To what extent are RNs updated on the latest evidence-based wound care practices, and
how does this impact their proficiency in delivering wound care? What are the potential
consequences of knowledge gaps in wound care management among RNs for patient outcomes and
healthcare costs?

By addressing these questions, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of RNs'
knowledge of wound care management, identify areas for improvement, and inform the
development of targeted educational measures and policies aimed at enhancing the quality of
wound care management. The research question of this study was: Registered Nurses (RNs)
Knowledge of Wound Care Management

References
1. E. Kielo, L. Salminen, R. Suhonen, P. Puukka, M. Stolt; Graduating student nurses’ and student
podiatrists’ wound care competence – an integrative literature review, Nurse Education in
Practice, 29 (2018), pp. 1-7.
2. E. Kielo, R. Suhonen, L. Salminen, M. Stolt; Competence areas for registered nurses and
podiatrists in chronic wound care, and their role in wound care practice. J. Clin. Nurs., 28
(21–22) (2019), pp. 4021-4034
3. Hessa Mohammed Alharbi, Sultan Hamad Al Saigh, J. O. Alwanin; Knowledge And Attitude
Toward Wound Care Among Doctors And Nurses In Multiple Center, Buraydah, Qassim
Region., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2019; 06(02)
4. Mathieu D, Linke J, Wattel F. Non-healing wounds. In: Handbook on Hyperbaric Medicine.
Springer; 2006:401–428.
5. Hodgetts SKC, Leslie DG. Determining risk factors for surgical wound dehiscence. Int Wound
J. 2013;12:1–11.
6. E. Kielo, R. Suhonen, M. Ylönen, J.Viljamaa, N. Wahlroos, M. Stot; A systematic and
psychometric review of tests measuring nurses’ wound care knowledge; International
Wound Journal, 17 (5) (2020), pp. 1209-1224
7. J. Stephen-Haynes; Preregistration nurses' views on the delivery of tissue viability, British
Journal of Nursing, Nov 14-27, 22 (20)(2013), pp. S18-S23
8. R. Suhonen, M. Stolt, M.Habermann, I. Hjaltadottir, S. Vryonides, S.Tonnessen, et al. Ethical
elements in priority setting in nursing care: a scoping review; International Journal of
Nursing Studies, 88(2018), pp. 25-42