The effect of structured educational model on knowledge of caregivers and the process of pressure ulcer healing in veterans with spinal cord injury in Shahroud, Iran.

Pressure ulcers are a major complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) that might stay with the injured person during his or her lifetime and have the human and economic costs for the individuals with SCI and his family and society. Educational programs are mechanisms for the transferring essential information to the patients and caregivers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of education on knowledge of caregivers and the process sore healing in veterans with SCI. This was a quasi- experimental study. That was conducted among 15 veterans with SCI, living under care in their houses. Data was obtained through interviews made by a qualified nurse’s. Through inspection, we obtained the ulcer care was based on guideline’s of the Agency Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR). The wound was assessed by using the Pressure Sore Status Tool (PSST). The SPSS statistical software was used for statistical analysis and Wilcoxon statistical test with a significant level of P<0.05 was chosen. Education resulted in the increase of the knowledge of caregivers and their performances by comparing the grades of the evaluation of the wounds in the round before and after training doesn’t show a significant difference, but comparing the results of the second and the third round before and after training (education) showed a relatively big difference (P<0.05). Enhanced, individualized education about the prevention and management of ulcers was effective. Then if this educations are related to the patients conditions, his knowledge and the way he or she lives will even be more effective. Taking part of the medical staff in educating the families and the patients and taking further action after being discharged from the hospital should be more considered