Nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards medical device-related pressure injuries in intensive care and surgical units: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) are a common complication in healthcare, leading to increased healthcare costs, prolonged hospital stays, and decreased quality of life. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nurses in these units regarding MDRPIs to identify gaps and inform preventive nursing practices. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 November 2022 and 30 December 2022 in the surgical and intensive care units of a state hospital. Data were collected from 150 nurses using a structured questionnaire assessing MDRPI-related knowledge and attitudes (MDRPIKAQ). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward MDRPIs. Results The mean knowledge score was 24.33 ± 5.20, and the mean attitude score was 16.64 ± 3.48. According to the MDRPIKAQ cutoff score (≥45/80, indicating adequate knowledge and positive attitudes), approximately one-third of nurses scored at or above this threshold. Item-based analysis indicated persistent misconceptions regarding MDRPI prevention and healing. Conclusion Nurses demonstrated moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward MDRPI prevention, although important misconceptions remain. Knowledge and attitude scores varied across selected characteristics, but no statistically significant association was observed between the total scores. These findings highlight the potential value of structured, MDRPI-focused education within nursing education and institutional training programs. However, because this was a single-center cross-sectional study, the generalizability of the findings is limited.