ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Acta Vulnologica 2006 June;4(2):81-9

Copyright © 2006 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Ulcers of the lower extremities: needs analysis of the training of nurses in the Medical Division of Pordenone General Hospital

Corradin M. T. ¹, Dell’Anna L. ², Bidoli E. ³

¹ Unità Operativa di Dermatologia Azienda Ospedaliera di Pordenone 2 Centro di Formazione e Documentazione Azienda Ospedaliera di Pordenone 3 S.O.C. di Epidemiologia e Biostatica Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Aviano

Aim. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the knowledge that the nurses of a Medical Division possess as regards ulcers, particularly of the lower extremities, with a view to setting up a targeted training course.
Methods. By means of a training needs analysis, which is a structured process for verifying professional standards, and with the use of an appropriately prepared questionnaire, the following research areas were examined: localization and causal mechanism of ulcers, infected ulcers, materials for medications with indications and limitations of use, elastic bandaging techniques, pain control and management of ulcerative lesions.
Results. Processing of the data obtained enabled us to establish that the knowledge possessed in regard to pressure lesions and, to a smaller extent, diabetic ulcers, can be considered satisfactory, while knowledge regarding venous and arterial ulcers, materials to be used for medication, elastic bandages and the management of ulcerous lesions must be reorganized.
Conclusions. These results may find a possible explanation in the fact that the bedsore is the pathology best tackled in Italy because for some years now this lesion has been managed with modern systems of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The other ulcerous lesions, perhaps with the exception of diabetic foot, have not yet received the same attention, as they are not part of the programs of updating for the region and single Health Units, hence the knowledge that nurses have is not adequate.