Challenges and Utilization of Nursing Process Among Nurses in Harvey Road General Hospital, Yaba
Abstract
This study investigated the challenges hindering the effective utilization of the nursing process among nurses at Harvey Road General Hospital, Yaba. Employing a quantitative survey research design, data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 120 respondents. SPSS27 was utilized for data presentation and analysis. Hypotheses were tested using t-tests. Findings revealed significant correlations between inadequate staffing levels and challenges encountered by nurses in utilizing the nursing process, as well as between insufficient training and education among nursing staff and the ineffective utilization of the nursing process. Additionally, the implementation of targeted interventions resulted in improvements in the utilization of the nursing process and patient care outcomes at Harvey Road General Hospital. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of addressing staffing levels and investing in training and education programs to enhance the utilization of the nursing process and improve patient care delivery. Recommendations include the implementation of standardized protocols and procedures, increasing staffing levels, and fostering communication and collaboration among healthcare team members. Despite limitations such as sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study, these findings contribute valuable insights to the field of nursing practice and healthcare management.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
The nursing process is a fundamental framework in healthcare, guiding nurses through a systematic approach to patient care (Nomura, Silva, & Almeida, 2022). It encompasses assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation (Kebede, Endris, & Zegeye, 2017). However, despite its importance, challenges in its utilization persist among nurses, impacting patient outcomes (Mwang, Meng’anyi, & Mbugua, 2019). These challenges range from inadequate staffing levels to insufficient training and education among nursing staff (Abid-Raja, Majeed, & Tahseen, 2018).
Harvey Road General Hospital, situated in Yaba, Nigeria, grapples with similar issues concerning the effective implementation of the nursing process by its nursing staff (Okaisu et al., 2020). Despite recognizing the significance of the nursing process, the hospital has observed inconsistencies and deficiencies in its application (Miskir & Emishaw, 2018). Inadequate staffing levels have been identified as a significant barrier to the effective utilization of the nursing process at the hospital (Opare et al., 2017).
These challenges not only hinder the delivery of quality patient care but also compromise patient outcomes (Scheiber, Mayer, & Müller, 2020). Nurses at Harvey Road General Hospital often face difficulties in conducting comprehensive assessments due to time constraints and high patient-to-nurse ratios (Bruylands et al., 2019). Consequently, accurate diagnosis and effective care planning become challenging tasks (Rouleau et al., 2017).
Furthermore, inadequate training and education among nursing staff contribute to the ineffective utilization of the nursing process (Ofi & Sowunmi, 2020). Many nurses lack the necessary knowledge and skills to properly implement the nursing process (Rycroft-Malone, 2022). This results in suboptimal care delivery and undermines the hospital’s efforts to improve patient outcomes (Müller-Staub et al., 2022).
To address these challenges, Harvey Road General Hospital must prioritize interventions aimed at improving the utilization of the nursing process among its nursing staff (Lumillo-Gutierrez et al., 2018). This may involve providing additional training and education opportunities to enhance nurses’ proficiency in utilizing the nursing process (Wang, Yu, & Hailey, 2021). Additionally, the hospital should consider implementing staffing strategies to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios and mitigate workload-related barriers (Setyaningrum, Nurjannah, & Rustiyaningsih, 2019).
Collaborative efforts between hospital administrators, nurse educators, and frontline staff are essential to address these challenges effectively (Kim & Shin, 2022). By investing in ongoing education and training programs, Harvey Road General Hospital can empower its nursing staff to overcome barriers to the effective utilization of the nursing process (Appiah, 2019). This, in turn, will contribute to improved patient outcomes and overall quality of care delivery within the hospital (De Moraes et al., 2021).
In essence, the nursing process serves as a crucial framework in guiding nurses through the delivery of patient care. However, challenges in its utilization persist, particularly at Harvey Road General Hospital in Yaba, Nigeria. Inadequate staffing levels, insufficient training and education, and time constraints are among the key barriers hindering the effective implementation of the nursing process. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from hospital leadership, nurse educators, and frontline staff to ensure that nurses are adequately equipped to deliver high-quality patient care.
Statement of Problem
The utilization of the nursing process among nurses at Harvey Road General Hospital in Yaba, Nigeria, presents several significant challenges that need to be addressed. Despite the recognized importance of the nursing process in guiding patient care, gaps exist in its effective implementation within the hospital setting. One prominent issue is the presence of inadequate staffing levels, as highlighted by various studies (Opare et al., 2017). Insufficient nurse-to-patient ratios contribute to increased workloads and time constraints, hindering nurses’ ability to fully engage in the nursing process (Mwang, Meng’anyi, & Mbugua, 2019).
Additionally, a lack of comprehensive training and education among nursing staff poses a significant barrier to the effective utilization of the nursing process (Nomura, Silva, & Almeida, 2022). Many nurses may not have received adequate instruction on how to conduct thorough assessments, develop accurate diagnoses, or create effective care plans (Ofi & Sowunmi, 2020). This gap in knowledge and skills undermines the quality of patient care delivery and compromises patient outcomes (Rycroft-Malone, 2022).
Furthermore, the absence of standardized processes and documentation systems exacerbates challenges in utilizing the nursing process (Scheiber, Mayer, & Müller, 2020). Without consistent guidelines and tools in place, nurses may struggle to adhere to established protocols and document patient care accurately (Setyaningrum, Nurjannah, & Rustiyaningsih, 2019). This can lead to inconsistencies in care delivery and hinder effective communication among healthcare team members (Rouleau et al., 2017).
Overall, the identified gaps in the utilization of the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve nursing practice and enhance patient care outcomes. Addressing staffing shortages, enhancing educational opportunities, and implementing standardized documentation systems are critical steps in bridging these gaps and optimizing the utilization of the nursing process within the hospital setting.
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study were:
- To identify the challenges encountered by nurses in utilizing the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital in Yaba.
- To explore the factors contributing to the ineffective utilization of the nursing process among nurses in the hospital.
- To recommend strategies to improve the utilization of the nursing process and enhance patient care delivery at Harvey Road General Hospital.
Research Questions
The following research questions were investigated:
- What are the primary challenges faced by nurses in utilizing the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital?
- What factors contribute to the ineffective utilization of the nursing process among nurses in the hospital?
- What strategies can be recommended to enhance the utilization of the nursing process and improve patient care delivery at Harvey Road General Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were tested:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
- Inadequate staffing levels do not significantly correlate with the challenges encountered by nurses in utilizing the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital.
- Insufficient training and education among nursing staff do not contribute to the ineffective utilization of the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital.
- Implementation of targeted interventions to address identified challenges will not result in improvements in the utilization of the nursing process and patient care outcomes at Harvey Road General Hospital.
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- Inadequate staffing levels significantly correlate with the challenges encountered by nurses in utilizing the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital.
- Insufficient training and education among nursing staff contribute to the ineffective utilization of the nursing process at Harvey Road General Hospital.
- Implementation of targeted interventions to address identified challenges will result in improvements in the utilization of the nursing process and patient care outcomes at Harvey Road General Hospital.
Significance of the Study
The study focusing on the challenges impeding the effective utilization of the nursing process among nurses at Harvey Road General Hospital holds paramount significance in the realm of healthcare delivery. Through shedding light on these challenges and delving into potential remedies, the research endeavour endeavours to play a pivotal role in elevating patient care standards within the hospital. Furthermore, the insights garnered from the study could lay the groundwork for the formulation of targeted interventions and policies aimed at mitigating analogous issues in diverse healthcare settings.
At the heart of the significance lies the acknowledgement of the nursing process as a cornerstone in delivering holistic and quality patient care. It serves as a systematic framework guiding nurses through the intricacies of patient assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. However, despite its recognized importance, the effective application of the nursing process faces formidable barriers within the confines of Harvey Road General Hospital. These barriers, ranging from staffing shortages to inadequate training and documentation protocols, have tangible implications for patient outcomes and the overall quality of care provided.
By systematically identifying and dissecting these challenges, the study provides a roadmap for addressing systemic deficiencies in nursing practice. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the root causes underlying the suboptimal utilization of the nursing process, thereby laying the groundwork for targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of the hospital’s nursing staff. Moreover, the exploration of potential solutions holds promise for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the hospital’s healthcare delivery ecosystem.
Beyond the confines of Harvey Road General Hospital, the findings of the study hold broader implications for the healthcare landscape at large. In elucidating the challenges hindering the effective utilization of the nursing process, the research contributes to the collective body of knowledge informing nursing practice and healthcare management. It offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by nurses in delivering patient-centred care, thereby empowering stakeholders to devise evidence-based strategies for overcoming these hurdles.
Furthermore, the study catalyzes interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange within and beyond the healthcare sector. By fostering dialogue between nursing professionals, healthcare administrators, educators, and policymakers, it facilitates the co-creation of innovative solutions and best practices aimed at enhancing patient care delivery. In doing so, the study catalyzes a ripple effect of positive change, permeating through the fabric of healthcare organizations and ultimately benefiting patients and communities alike.
Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the challenges and utilization of the nursing process specifically among nurses at Harvey Road General Hospital in Yaba. It does not encompass other healthcare professionals or facilities outside the specified hospital setting.
Operational Definition of Terms
Nursing Process: A systematic approach followed by nurses in delivering patient care, consisting of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Ineffective Utilization: Refers to the suboptimal application of the nursing process resulting in compromised patient care outcomes.
Staffing Levels: The ratio of nursing personnel to patients within the hospital setting.
Training and Education: Formal instruction and skill development programs are provided to nursing staff to enhance their proficiency in utilizing the nursing process.
Patient Care Delivery: The process of providing holistic care to patients, encompassing various aspects of physical, emotional, and psychological support.
Interventions: Specific actions or measures implemented to address identified challenges and improve the utilization of the nursing process.
Policies: Guidelines or directives established by the hospital administration to regulate and standardize the implementation of the nursing process and patient care delivery.
Healthcare Settings: Environments where medical care is provided, including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
References
- Bruylands, M., Paans, W., Hediger, H., & Müller-Staub, M. (2019). Effects on the quality of the nursing care process through an educational program and the use of electronic nursing documentation. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, 24(3), 163–170.
- Charmaz, K. (2016). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide through Qualitative Analysis. Sage Publications.
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches (5th ed.). SAGE.
- De Moraes, L., Dos Reis, H., Oliveira, D., & Christoforo. (2021). Evaluation of the nursing process used at a Brazilian teaching Hospital. International Journal of Nursing Terminologies and Classifications, 21(3), 116–123.
- Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., & Jackson, P. R. (2018). Management and Business Research. Sage.
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