Application of the educational method of realistic simulation in the treatment of pressure injuries

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the use of realistic simulation as a strategy to promote teaching about pressure injuries. METHOD: This is a quasi-experimental study. A modified and translated version of the Pieper Pressure Ulcer knowledge test was applied. Kappa statistical analysis was used to assess the professionals’ knowledge in the realistic simulation using the SPSS software. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Seventy-seven nursing professionals participated in the realistic simulation, the majority (72.7%) being nursing technicians. Regarding the knowledge of primary and secondary coverage techniques, the Kappa index went from 0.56 (p=0.002) in the pre-test to 0.87 (p=0.001) in the post-test. As for the sterile dressing technique, there was a variation from 0.55 (p=0.002) in the pre-test to 0.91 (p=0.001) in the post-test. Regarding the cleaning of pressure injuries, there was a variation from 0.81 (CI: 0.62-0.84) in the pre-test to 0.91 (0.85-0.97) in the post-test. The knowledge about the use of a sterile spatula to distribute the dressing in the wound increased from an agreement index from regular to good. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the realistic simulation in the clinical practice has created quality assessment indicators for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries.