Staff's perceptions of a pressure mapping system to prevent pressure injuries in a hospital ward: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: To describe staff's perceptions of a continuous pressure mapping system to prevent pressure injury in a hospital ward.

Background: Pressure injury development is still a problem in hospitals. It is important to understand how new information and communication technologies can facilitate pressure injury prevention.

Method: A descriptive design with qualitative focus group interviews was used.

Results: Five categories were identified: "Need of information, training and coaching over a long period of time," "Pressure mapping - a useful tool in the prevention of pressure injury in high risk patients," "Easy to understand and use, but some practical issues were annoying," "New way of working and thinking," and "Future possibilities with the pressure mapping system."

Conclusion: The pressure mapping system was an eye-opener for the importance of pressure injury prevention. Staff appreciated the real-time feedback on pressure points, which alerted them to the time for repositioning, facilitated repositioning and provided feedback on the repositioning performed.

Implications for nursing management: A continuous pressure mapping system can be used as a catalyst, increasing staff's competence, focus and awareness of prevention. For successful implementation, the nurse managers should have a shared agenda with the clinical nurse leaders, supporting the sustaining and spread of the innovation.

Keywords: hospital; pressure injury; pressure mapping; prevention; qualitative research; staff.