2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Ihab Ibrahim Alawor, Biju Varkey, Saudabi Hassan, Sikhamol Jacob and Zulkiflu Musa Argungu

abstract
Background: Pressure-induced skin and soft tissue injuries are a significant cause of morbidity among hospitalized patients worldwide. Wound care nurses play a critical role in preventing and managing these injuries through evidence-based interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of wound care nurses’ practice in inpatients with pressure-induced injuries in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: A quantitative, prospective study was conducted at Aster Sanad Hospital, enrolling 200 inpatients aged 18-85 years with existing pressure injuries or at high risk for hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). Participants were monitored over 8 weeks. Data on wound healing (assessed by the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing [PUSH]), incidence of new injuries, wound severity, and patient satisfaction were collected. Sociodemographic data were also recorded. Paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to assess changes over time. Result: This study demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing, with mean PUSH scores decreasing from 15.2±3.4 at baseline to 8.6±2.7 post-intervention (p<0.001). The incidence of new HAPI decreased from 14% at baseline to 6% by week 8. Stage severity regression was observed, with 40% of Stage 3 wounds downgrading to Stage 2. Patient satisfaction scores were high across all domains, reflecting positive perceptions of care. Older age, immobility, and comorbidities were associated with slower healing. Conclusion: These findings underscore the effectiveness of specialized wound care nurses in accelerating healing, preventing new injuries, and enhancing patient satisfaction. The study supports the integration of trained wound care nurses into hospital care teams and emphasizes the need for structured protocols and continuous monitoring. These results have implications for clinical practice, hospital policies, and future nursing education in Saudi Arabia, providing evidence for scalable and sustainable strategies to reduce the burden of pressure-induced injuries.