Oncology Nurses’ Beliefs, Attitudes, Perceived Barriers towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention.

Introduction: Pressure ulcer incidence rate continuously increase alarming-both community and hospital acquired. Nurses’ response may have an important role in pressure ulcer prevention. This study aims to assess the oncology nurses’ attitude, knowledge and perceived barriers towards pressure ulcer prevention and identify the type of pressure ulcer training they had attended. Method: The respondents of this study are oncology nurses working in Comprehensive Cancer Center. A cross-sectional descriptive research survey and convenience sampling technique was used. This study involved 118 nurses from cancer center. Result: A positive attitude (mean=51.18%) was reported by oncology nurses concerning pressure ulcer prevention with a high frequency of agreement to the positive statements. The condition of the patient was the leading perceived barrier to a proper assessment of pressure ulcer (76%) and followed by appropriate application of prevention measures (67%). Lack of time, lack of cooperation, lack of staff also was reported as hindrances. In-service and lectures topped the educational training they had attended. Conclusion: Oncology nurses have a positive attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention. Nurses' positive response may be utilized to achieve the overall goal of decreasing incidence and recurrence of pressure ulcer among cancer patients. Though some trends may be deemed inevitable, continuous education and innovative approach may be implemented to help in fulfilling the roles and responsibilities set for each nurse working in a clinical setting.