Prevention and management of skin tears: A survey of nurses in French-speaking Switzerland

What is it about?

Background Skin tears are common in many care settings. Clinicians’ practices show a lack of knowledge on skin tear classification, prevention and treatment; documentation problems; and a lack of uniform language. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate nurses’ perceptions, opinions, knowledge and practices on the prevention and management of skin tears in French-speaking Switzerland. Method A survey was conducted among nurses and wound care specialists in Western Switzerland. Data were collected between 17 November and 14 December 2020 and analysed using descriptive statistical and thematic analyses. Result A total of 117 nurses and wound care specialists participated in this survey; 89% described skin tears as common. Skin tear definitions (18%, n=15), classification systems (7%, n=6) and risk factors were not well known. Prevention measures were often non-existent (87%, n=82). A standard of care was infrequent (5%, n=6). Pain (76%, n=70), delayed healing (75%, n=70) and frequent dressing changes (72%, n=67) were common issues and complications. Education on dressing choices (89%, n=80); prevention measures (88%, n=79); and aged skin issues (86%, n=77), were identified as important teaching topics. Conclusion The results contribute to our understanding of wound care specialists’ clinical judgment on preventing and managing skin tears in French-speaking Switzerland and highlight the importance of wound care education. Implication for clinical practice To enhance nurses’ knowledge of wound care and ensure evidence-based practices, we recommend implementing standard, unified wound curricula for nurses at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels, based on the existing European curricula.

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