chronic wound‐care competence in student nurses and podiatrists
The purpose of this study was to describe the level of chronic wound‐care competence among graduating student nurses and student podiatrists in comparison with that of professionals and to develop and test a new instrument (the C/WoundComp) that assesses both theoretical and practical competence in chronic wound care as well as attitudes towards wound care. The data (N = 135) were collected in 2019 from four groups (1): graduating student nurses (n = 44) (2); graduating student podiatrists (n = 28) (3); registered nurses (n = 54); and (4) podiatrists (n = 9). The data were analysed using statistical analysis. According to the results, the students’ total mean competence score was 62%. Their mean score for theoretical competence was 67%, and for practical competence, it was 52%. The students’ competence level was statistically significantly lower than that of the professionals (P < .0001), but the students showed a positive attitude towards chronic wound care. The instrument demonstrated preliminary validity and reliability, but this warrants further testing. This study provides new knowledge about student nurses’ and …. full article
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Summary:
This study aimed to develop and test a new assessment tool—called the C/WoundComp instrument—to evaluate both theoretical and practical competence in chronic wound care among student nurses and podiatrists. It also examined their attitudes toward chronic wound care.
Design & Participants: The study used a descriptive, comparative, and methodological approach with 135 participants:
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44 graduating student nurses
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28 graduating student podiatrists
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54 registered nurses
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9 practicing podiatrists
Key Findings:
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Students had an average competence score of 62% overall:
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67% in theoretical knowledge
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52% in practical skills
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Professionals scored significantly higher than students.
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Students showed positive attitudes toward chronic wound care despite limited competence.
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The C/WoundComp instrument showed initial reliability and validity for assessing wound-care competence.
Conclusion: Graduating students lack sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge in chronic wound care, highlighting the need to strengthen wound-care education. The C/WoundComp tool could help evaluate and improve competence in this critical area of healthcare.
The authors:
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Emilia Kielo-Viljamaa, PhD, RN: Dr. Kielo-Viljamaa is a Senior Lecturer at Novia University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Welfare, in Vaasa, Finland. She also serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Turku’s Department of Nursing Science. Her research focuses on nursing education and wound care competence. ResearchGate
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Riitta Suhonen, PhD, RN: Dr. Suhonen is affiliated with the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, and the Welfare Division of the City of Turku in Finland. She has an extensive background in nursing science and education. PubMed
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Maarit Ahtiala: Associated with Turku University Hospital in Finland, contributing to research in nursing and healthcare. PubMed
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Terhi Kolari: Affiliated with the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Turku, focusing on statistical analysis in medical research. PubMed
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Jouko Katajisto: Part of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Turku, specializing in statistical methodologies. PubMed
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Leena Salminen, PhD, RN: Connected with the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Turku, with research interests in nursing education and professional competence. PubMed+1ResearchGate+1
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Minna Stolt, PhD, RN: Also from the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Turku, Dr. Stolt’s research includes nursing education and wound care. PubMed