A cross-sectional study using the skin tear knowledge assessment instrument (OASES) to assess registered nurse’s knowledge about the identification, classification, prevention, assessment, and management of skin tears in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital

Formosa, Elaine and Holloway, Samantha 2022. A cross-sectional study using the skin tear knowledge assessment instrument (OASES) to assess registered nurse’s knowledge about the identification, classification, prevention, assessment, and management of skin tears in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital. Journal of Wound Management 23 (2) , pp. 109-118. 10.35279/jowm2022.23.02.10

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Skin tears (STs) are acute traumatic wounds caused by friction, shearing and/or blunt force that result in the rupture of skin layers, the dermis and/or epidermis. Among the main causes are wheelchair injuries (mechanical trauma) and transfers, falls and the removal of adhesives. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ current knowledge of the identification, classification, prevention, assessment and management of STs. The intention was to identify knowledge gaps to design an appropriate education programme for improving skills in the assessment, prevention and identification of STs; to increase awareness; and improve and facilitate existing knowledge of STs. The ST knowledge assessment instrument OASES was used, as this is a validated tool. A pilot phase determined whether the language and content of the tool were understood, and to verify the time required to complete the survey. For the main study, a questionnaire was emailed to 139 registered nurses working in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital located in Malta. In all, 101 responses were gathered over a four-week period (73.4% response rate). The overall results indicated knowledge deficits across the identification, prevention, assessment and management domains of STs. Results for domains related to aetiology, classification and observation, and specific patient groups showed a good level of knowledge, but risk assessment, prevention and treatment showed poor knowledge. Immediate recommendations include the adoption of best practice guidelines and protocols to improve nurses’ awareness and knowledge of STs. This will be facilitated by the development of an education programme to address the knowledge gaps identified.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Publisher:	European Wound Management Association
ISSN:	2788-5771
Last Modified:	20 Mar 2026 16:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185912

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item