novice health professionals having insufficient knowledge.
It also indicates a potential lack of understanding among
generalist nurses and allied health professionals about a core
aspect of basic care. There is a strong argument, therefore, for a
greater focus in both nurse education and day-to-day clinical
practice on basic nursing care, including skin assessment and
other baseline observations.
When asked what, apart from the number of bacteria
in a wound, can tip the balance between colonisation and
infection, only 36% of respondents gave the correct answer.
Twenty-six percent incorrectly identified malnutrition and/
or dehydration, while even more (39%) selected impaired
blood flow to the wound size (just 3% less than those who
chose the correct answer). This indicates that there is a lack
of understanding among generalist nurses and allied health