Abstract

Introduction: Accurate wound assessment is critical for patient safety and quality care, aligning with CDC infection prevention guidelines. The Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) is a globally recognized instrument for standardizing wound evaluation. Targeted training on BWAT can enhance nurses’ skills and improve patient outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of a structured training program on nurses’ wound assessment performance using the Persian version of BWAT in Iranian hospitals, contributing to evidence-based nursing education and global wound care standards.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Seventy nurses (35 per hospital) were randomly assigned to a case or control group via coin toss. Both groups assessed grade 2-4 wounds in internal, surgical, and ICU wards using the Persian BWAT (pre-test). The case group received a one-hour bedside training session, including demonstrations and oral instructions on BWAT use. Post-intervention, both groups reassessed wounds. The researcher independently evaluated wounds for comparison. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 with descriptive statistics, independent and paired t-tests, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: Discrepancy scores between nurses’ and researcher’s assessments showed significant differences pre- and post-intervention in both groups (P < 0.05). The control group’s discrepancy scores increased, indicating reduced accuracy. The case group showed a significant reduction in discrepancy scores (P < 0.05), reflecting improved performance. Inter-group comparison confirmed enhanced accuracy in the case group (P < 0.05).

Discussion/Conclusion: The one-hour bedside training significantly improved nurses’ wound assessment accuracy using the Persian BWAT, aligning with CDC guidelines for reducing hospital-acquired infections. This study highlights the value of targeted education in standardizing wound care, enhancing patient safety, and addressing nursing shortages through evidence-based skills. Findings are applicable to U.S. healthcare, where standardized wound assessment is vital for diverse populations. Further research could explore long-term training impacts.

Keywords: Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool, wound care, nursing education, patient safety, evidence-based practice