Evaluation of the Effects of Training Given to Wheelchair Users on Their Level of Knowledge, Prevention of Pressure Injury and Wound Healing
Evaluation of the Effects of Training Given to Wheelchair Users on Their Level of Knowledge, Prevention of Pressure Injury and Wound Healing
This research is a randomised controlled study conducted to evaluate the effects of training given to wheelchair users to prevent pressure injury on their level of knowledge, prevention of pressure injury and wound healing.
This study will test the following hypotheses among trained and untrained wheelchair users:
Hypothesis 1: Pressure injury education provided to wheelchair users has an impact on pressure injury prevention knowledge.
Hypothesis 2: Pressure injury education provided to wheelchair users has an impact on pressure injury prevention interventions.
Hypothesis 3: Pressure injury education provided to wheelchair users has an impact on pressure injury prevention.
Hypothesis 4: Pressure injury education provided to wheelchair users has an impact on pressure injury recovery.
Detailed Description
This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an online pressure injury education program developed for individuals who use wheelchairs. The intervention aimed to improve participants' knowledge related to pressure injury prevention, to support the implementation of preventive behaviors, and to contribute to the prevention and healing processes of pressure injuries through structured online education and follow-up.
The study was conducted between 2021 and 2023 in Tokat province, Türkiye. Eligible participants were allocated to intervention and control groups using a stratified randomization method to ensure balance between groups. The study was carried out as a double-blind randomized controlled trial, in which both participants and the statistician responsible for data analysis were blinded to group assignments.
The intervention consisted of a structured online training program focusing on pressure injury risk factors, prevention strategies, skin assessment, positioning, and wound care principles relevant to wheelchair users. Participants in the intervention group were divided into small training groups, and the education was delivered through multiple online sessions to enhance interaction and understanding. The control group received routine follow-up without the educational intervention during the study period.
Following completion of the training program, both groups were monitored over a 12-week follow-up period. Weekly follow-ups were conducted to observe changes related to pressure injury prevention practices and healing status. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period to evaluate the impact of the intervention.
The study was approved by the Gazi University Ethics Committee, and official permission was obtained from the Tokat Governorship. All participants provided informed consent prior to participation. The findings of this study are expected to contribute evidence regarding the role of online education in pressure injury prevention and management among wheelchair users.
Inclusion Criteria:
Aged between 18 and 65 years
Wheelchair user
No communication difficulties
Willing to participate voluntarily in the study
Healthy volunteer
Exclusion Criteria:
Younger than 18 years or older than 65 years
Presence of any communication difficulties
Unwilling to participate in the study