An Evaluation of Nurses’ Role in Preventing Hospital Readmissions Through Home-Based Care in Kogi State Healthcare Facilities
- Project Research
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study: Hospital readmissions represent a significant healthcare challenge worldwide, often leading to worsened patient outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and unnecessary strain on hospital resources. Preventing unnecessary readmissions, especially for patients with chronic conditions, is a key focus in improving healthcare delivery and patient care outcomes. Home-based care, where healthcare professionals provide continued care in a patient's home following hospital discharge, has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate this issue (Okunlola et al., 2023). Nurses, through their comprehensive care practices, play a crucial role in managing post-discharge recovery, ensuring patients adhere to medication regimens, attend follow-up appointments, and manage chronic illnesses effectively.
In Kogi State, the healthcare infrastructure often faces challenges in providing follow-up care for discharged patients, particularly those with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. These patients are at an increased risk of readmission due to a lack of continuous monitoring and appropriate interventions after discharge (Oluwasola et al., 2024). Nurses, who are central to the implementation of home-based care, provide essential services such as wound care, monitoring vital signs, medication management, and patient education. However, the role of nurses in preventing hospital readmissions through home-based care in Kogi State healthcare facilities remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the impact of nurse-led home-based care in preventing hospital readmissions among patients in Kogi State hospitals.
Statement of the Problem: In Kogi State, hospital readmissions represent a significant healthcare burden, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses. While hospital care is essential for acute conditions, readmissions can often be prevented with appropriate post-discharge interventions. The role of nurses in providing home-based care that addresses patient needs post-discharge is crucial but has not been adequately studied in this context. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home-based care in reducing hospital readmissions and improving the continuity of care for patients in Kogi State.
Objectives of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of nurses in providing home-based care to prevent hospital readmissions in Kogi State healthcare facilities.
- To assess the impact of nurse-led home care on the health outcomes of patients post-discharge.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of home-based care in preventing hospital readmissions in Kogi State.
Research Questions:
- What role do nurses play in preventing hospital readmissions through home-based care in Kogi State healthcare facilities?
- How effective is nurse-led home-based care in improving patient outcomes and preventing readmissions in Kogi State?
- What challenges do nurses face in implementing home-based care to prevent hospital readmissions in Kogi State?
Research Hypotheses:
- Nurse-led home-based care significantly reduces hospital readmissions for patients with chronic conditions in Kogi State.
- Nurses' involvement in medication management and patient education is positively associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced readmissions.
- The lack of resources, training, and support for nurses hinders the effectiveness of home-based care in preventing hospital readmissions in Kogi State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on evaluating nurse-led home-based care in Kogi State healthcare facilities, particularly in relation to preventing hospital readmissions. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data from patients and nurses, as well as challenges in obtaining consistent follow-up data.
Definitions of Terms:
- Home-based care: Healthcare services provided to patients in their homes by healthcare professionals, particularly following hospital discharge, to monitor health and prevent complications.
- Hospital readmission: The unplanned return of a patient to the hospital after being discharged, often due to complications or failure to adhere to post-discharge care instructions.
- Nurse-led care: Medical and health services managed and provided by nurses, which may include monitoring, patient education, and medication management.
