Enhance Staff Nurses' Proficiency And Knowledge In Wound Assessment And Management Using The NERDS & Stones Technique

Aim: This study aims to enhance the knowledge and proficiency of staff nurses in wound assessment and management using the NERDS & STONES technique through targeted educational interventions and hands-on training. Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-and post-test design was used. A total of 89 registered nurses from one hospital in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. The intervention consisted of lectures, hands-on workshops, and case study discussions. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using the Wound Care Knowledge Assessment Tool, which measured nurses' knowledge of wound assessment and infection identification. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to compare pre-and post-intervention scores. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in nurses' wound care knowledge after the educational intervention using the NERDS & STONES technique. The pre-intervention mean score was 4.44 (SD = 1.74), which increased to 5.98 (SD = 2.13) post-intervention, with a mean difference of -1.54 (SD = 3.12). A paired ttest revealed a statistically significant increase in knowledge (t = -4.66, p < 0.001). The effect size, as measured by Cohen’s d, was 0.494, indicating a medium effect of the intervention. Conclusion: The educational intervention using the NERDS & STONES technique significantly improved nurses' wound care knowledge, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted training. These findings highlight the importance of structured educational programs in enhancing clinical skills and promoting better patient care outcomes.