Evaluation of Nursing Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nursing Care of Patient with Skin Traction in Orthopedic Units in Kurdistan Region

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate knowledge and practices of nursing staff at the orthopedic units
regarding the existing care of patient with skin traction.
Methodology: The sample consists of (40) nurses, (20) of them from Emergency Teaching Hospital in Duhok
and the other (20) of them from Erbil Teaching Hospital in Erbil from 1st Dec. 2004 to the end of June 2005 in
Kurdistan Region.
Two instruments were constructed to evaluate knowledge and practices. Evaluation of knowledge was done by
using of multiple choice questions composed of (25) questions, and evaluation of practice was done by using the
observational check list which consist of four main category (pre skin traction, during skin traction, post skin
traction and follow up of patient have skin traction).
Validity of questionnaire was determined through the expert.
Results: Indicated that the nurses knowledge scores was satisfied about patient have skin traction in Duhok and
Erbil.
In relation to the evaluation of nurses’ practice, it was found that the practices of the nurses were inadequate in
Duhok and Erbil Hospitals.
The study founded there was no significant difference between Duhok and Erbil of knowledge and practices.
The finding indicated that there was no significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and practices and
years of experience in orthopedic units.
Recommendation: The number of staff should be increased in orthopedic units, education and special training
programs for these nurses in orthopedic units should be designed and presented through how to provide nursing
care, how to prevent complications and management of complications if present.