"Emergency Nurses’ Practices in Wound Site Care: An Infection Control Perspective"

Abstract

Background: Wound management is a fundamental nursing responsibility that plays a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in emergency departments (EDs). Given the unpredictable and high-pressure environment of EDs, emergency nurses' adherence to infection control protocols in wound care directly influences patient outcomes. Despite the importance of these practices, challenges such as inadequate training, high workload, and time constraints can compromise effective infection prevention.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the practical level of emergency nurses' infection control measures in wound site care, identify factors influencing their practices, and evaluate the relationship between demographic characteristics and the adherence to infection control protocols.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 9, 2024, to June 26, 2025, at Hilla Teaching Hospital. A purposive sample of 125 emergency nurses was selected. A structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic data and wound care practices was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The majority of participants were aged 20–30 years (78.4%) with less than 10 years of nursing experience (82.4%) and minimal experience in emergency departments (84.8%). The overall practical level of infection control in wound care was "fair" (mean score 1.95). Key practices such as hand hygiene (2.31) and sterile dressing techniques (2.06) showed moderate adherence, but environmental preparation and drain site cleaning were notably suboptimal. No significant relationships were found between demographic factors and practice levels, except for years of experience in emergency care, which showed a significant association with better practice adherence.

Conclusion: While emergency nurses demonstrated fair infection control practices, significant gaps exist in wound site care, which could increase the risk of HAIs. The lack of formal training in infection prevention and the variable experience levels of nurses underscore the need for targeted training and support.

Recommendations: To improve infection control practices, ongoing professional development and targeted training programs should be implemented, especially for less experienced staff. Strengthening institutional support, fostering a culture of accountability, and mentoring new nurses are essential strategies for enhancing patient safety and reducing the incidence of HAIs in emergency settings.