The knowing-doing gap: knowledge and practices of nursing staff in institutionalized geriatric care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37431/conectividad.v7i1.469Keywords:
Older adult, Clinical competencies, Mobilization, Pressure injuries, Geriatric careAbstract
Population aging demands trained professionals in geriatric care. This study aimed to determine knowledge about mobility and quality of life of older adults in nursing homes in Imbabura province. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 45 nursing professionals (graduates, technicians, and auxiliaries) from five nursing homes in Imbabura province. Two instruments were applied: the Clinical Competencies Questionnaire and the Questionnaire on knowledge about pressure injury prevention, complemented by an observation sheet of practices. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis, Spearman correlation, and Analysis of Variance. The instruments we used proved to be very reliable. What is interesting is that, although the majority (66.67%) had good knowledge, still one-third of the staff showed practices that were not adequate. Academic level was significantly associated with knowledge (χ²=16.44, p=0.002), but not with practice (χ²=0.363, p=0.834). It is concluded that there is a need to strengthen continuous training programs that integrate theory and practice in geriatric care, especially in mobilization techniques and pressure injury prevention.
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