Nurses’ knowledge on medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI)

Introduction:
In the literature, especially in Poland, there is little information on medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), caused by medical adhesive products, and their prevention and treatment, including the correct application and removal of adhesives by nursing staff. MARSI skin injuries are common but still poorly recognised complications. The aim of the study was to assess and analyse the knowledge of nurses on skin injuries caused using adhesive materials, the principles of their prevention, and to determine the variables determining this state of knowledge.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted among professionally active nurses studying nursing at the second-cycle studies at one of the universities educating nurses in Upper Silesia. Data from 216 people were analysed. The study used an original survey questionnaire.

Results:
The general level of knowledge of the respondents was determined by the number of correct answers. A maximum of 37 points could be obtained, 24 points from the theoretical part and 13 points from the practical part. The respondents scored 15 points in the theoretical part and 8 points in the practical part. Most of the surveyed nurses knew the definition of skin damage caused by the use of adhesive materials and correctly listed the causes of such damage. Slightly fewer respondents demonstrated correct practical knowledge. The highest knowledge was demonstrated by people working in intensive care and conservative departments, employed in a university hospital, younger in age, more educated, with specialisation, participating in training, and having the need to continue participating in training.

Conclusions:
The nursing staff have knowledge of skin damage caused by the use of adhesive materials and the principles of applying and removing adhesives at an average level. To expand and systematise it, there is a need to organise training and increase the availability of modern dressings in medical facilities.