Knowledge of nurses and midwifes on the skin disorders

Introduction. In the literature there are a few reports on the knowledge of nurses and midwifies on the skin disorders.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was self-assessment of nurses and midwifes knowledge on skin disorders and their expectations on
acquire knowledge in this field.

Material and methods. The study comprised 1713 nurses and midwifies using anonymous questionnaire.

Results. Most responders (49.7%) were aged between 31–40 and 41-50 years (33.7%). In all, 46.5 % graduated medical schools with
a long practice 21–30 years (29%). Nearly 1/5 of the surveyed had a speciality, more often in the preventive (5.1%) and surgery
nursing (3.2%). Of the respondents 67.3% was licensed practice nurses and nurse practitioners 13.8%. Only 29.6% had seen patients
with skin disorders several times a month. Almost (57.7%) of respondents had assessed their knowledge on the skin disorders as
a good. They said that could acquire knowledge in this filed by medical literature, lectures and classes in school. Overall, 81.9% of the
surveyed wanted to acquire their knowledge, 97% of the dermatologic nurses, 80.9% of nurses worked at another departments, and
83.9% of midwifes. Almost half (51.3%) of respondents preferred training and 15.9% courses. Nearly, 34.4% could not to present
topics on dermatology, 17.1% suggested the issues on skin infections, 16.9% preferred prophylaxis, care of health and sick skin, and
6.4% mycoses prophylaxis. In the opinion of 70.3% of respondents increased knowledge may have contributed to the improvement of
patient care.

Conclusions. Dermatologic nurses assessed their knowledge on skin disorders as good, another nurses as a poor. Most the surveyed
declared to acquire their knowledge on skin disorders, patients care, skin infections, prophylaxis, and care. Dermatologic nurses declared
necessity of continuing education. They preferred training, courses, and lectures. Most the surveyed said that acquire of the knowledge on
skin disorders improving care for patients with these disorders. The introduction of educational programs to nurses and midwifes on dermatology.
Introduction of continuing trainings for nurses and midwifes on dermatology.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (3): 315–321