Qualitative perspectives on the early identification of pressure ulcers in people with dark skin tones

A two-phase study design was employed. The first phase involved conducting 22 interviews with people with dark skin tones and/or their family carers, who were known to and visited by community nurses for pressure area management or had a high pressure area risk assessment score. In the second phase, three group interviews and six individual interviews were conducted with community nurses to explore how they assess early-stage pressure ulcers among people with dark skin tones. All interviews were carried out online, transcribed and analysed to help develop themes.

The findings from both phases of the study have provided valuable insights into how early-stage pressure damage is identified among people with dark skin tones. These insights have informed the development of patient-informed educational strategies for nurses and health workers, aimed at enabling the early identification of pressure ulcers in this population. By influencing and informing clinical policies and strategies, these findings have the potential to significantly reduce health inequities.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to examine the personal experiences of people with dark skin tones, from the perspective of patients and/or their carers, and from the perspective of community registered nurses.

Objectives:

• To explore how people with dark skin tones and/or their family carers identify earlystage pressure ulcers in their own homes (Phase 1).
• To identify how registered nurses working in the community assess early-stage pressure ulcers among people with dark skin tones (Phase 2).
• To develop effective and inclusive clinical strategies to support patient safety in the prevention and assessment of pressure ulcers for people with dark skin tones.