Objective:

To determine the type of barriers and attitudes towards the prevention of pressure ulcers in a traumatology hospital unit.

Methodology:

Descriptive observational study conducted in the General Traumatology Unit. Three questionnaires were applied: Patient Perception of Safety Questionnaire (PSP); Attitudes towards PPU Prevention Questionnaire (APuP) and Barriers to PPU Prevention Questionnaire (BPUPP).

Results:

The sample consisted of 35 professionals (21 nurses and 14 assistants). Mean age range, 31-50 years (57.2%); predominantly female gender (94.3%), mean work experience was < 5 years (71.4%), and as a qualified professional < 10 years (34.3%). A total of 86.6% of the professionals were trained in PU prevention. The unit where they worked was scored with a seven in relation to the culture of safety and prevention of PUs as an adverse event. Nurses identified up to 16 barriers and assistants 18, of which 14 were common.

Conclusions:

A positive attitude of the professionals towards prevention measures was observed, with agreement that PUs are avoidable and preventable. However, some barriers related to organizational factors prevail (excessive staff turnover), knowledge deficit (“it has always been done this way”) or insufficient collaboration and communication between care levels, results that agree with those published in the literature and that it is urgent to seek solution.

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