Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung CP(1), Chan NY(2), Chan NC(1), Tang CL(1), Wong YM(1), Wong KY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital, (2) Department of Surgery, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Introduction :
Skin tears are frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed in clinical practice, highlighting the importance of accurate identification and classification for optimal treatment. Although skin tears are not frequently encountered in our surgical department based on our clinical observations, it is important to acknowledge that they do occur and provide latest international standard of the management for skin tear to surgical nurses in UCH
Objectives :
The objectives of the skin tear management education program are as follows: 1. Understanding the updated definition and classifications of skin tears: Nurses will be able to identify different types of skin tears and understand their characteristics, enabling accurate assessment and appropriate management. 2. Increasing awareness of preventing and minimizing the risk of skin tears in patients: Nurses will learn about intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors associated with skin tears. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of skin assessment and the value of early recognition to prevent avoidable skin tears. 3. Improving assessment skills: Nurses will acquire the ability to accurately assess the severity, location, and cause of skin tears. Nurses will also learn how to identify underlying medical conditions or risk factors that may lead to complications. This comprehensive assessment will facilitate timely and targeted interventions to prevent complications and promote healing. 4. Promoting evidence-based wound care: Nurses will be educated on the latest evidence-based wound care practices for skin tear wounds.
Methodology :
The target population for this study consisted of surgical nursing staff at United Christian Hospital (UCH). A 20-minute education program, centered around skin tear information and nursing care, was developed, and delivered to the target group through PowerPoint slides. A total of three sessions were organized on May 27th, June 3rd, and June 10th, 2023. Participants were required to complete a pre-program test and a post-program test, which contained 10 questions related to the content covered in the education session. Following the program, participants were also asked to complete an evaluation form.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 51 nurses participated in this program, which consisted of pre- and post-tests. The questions were divided into three categories: classification and causes, management, and prevention. In the category of classification and causes, the correct rate increased significantly from 62% in the pre-test to 98% in the post-test. In the category of management of skin tears. The pre-test correct rate for management was 40%, it increased to 87% after the education program. In the category of prevention, with the correct rate increasing from 63% in the pre-test to 100% in the post-test. The programme is recommended to provide this talk regularly to all surgical ward nursing staff. This frequency allows for broader coverage and ensures that staff members have the opportunity to regularly refresh their knowledge. delivering the educational talks in a face-to-face format enables direct interaction and engagement, fostering better understanding and knowledge retention among the nursing staff. In order to facilitate sustainable learning beyond the talk itself, it is important to upload related training materials to ensure accessibility. Staff members can refer to these materials for reinforcement or revision as needed. Moreover, encouraging all surgical nursing staff to revisit the training materials at least once a year as part of a web-based learning module would help maintain knowledge and reinforce the concepts of skin tear management.
