Introduction:

In Mexico, pressure ulcers are a quality indicator of the National Health System. In order to improve patient security, health professionals need to demonstrate adequate knowledge regarding the handling and addressing of pressure ulcers.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention aimed at improving the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

Method:

This is a pre-experimental study based on an educational intervention with pre and post measurements. The sample was constituted by 90 graduate nurses working in public hospitals of second and third level located at the port of Veracruz, Mexico. Twelve 120 minutes educational sessions were designed to address the topics of prevention, care, and treatment of pressure ulcers.

Results:

The variable prevention had a score of 74±15 at pre measurement and 91±9 at post measurement t (p=.003). The variable treatment had an initial score of 57±16, which then increased to 76±9, t (p=.002) after the intervention.

Conclusion:

The educational intervention improved the knowledge on prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, without evidence of improving nursing care practice.