An assessment of nurses’ challenges in providing end-of-life care in resource-limited settings in Zamfara State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
End-of-life care (EOLC) is an essential aspect of healthcare, involving the provision of comfort, dignity, and symptom management for individuals nearing the end of their lives. In resource-limited settings such as Zamfara State, Nigeria, where healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, and trained personnel may be limited, the ability of nurses to provide effective EOLC can be severely impacted (Adewale & Idowu, 2023). Nurses in these settings often face a dual challenge of delivering compassionate care while working under constrained resources, which can result in inadequate pain management, poor patient outcomes, and emotional distress for both patients and healthcare providers.
The challenges faced by nurses in providing EOLC in Zamfara State are multifaceted, ranging from a lack of formal training in palliative and hospice care to limited access to essential medications, such as opioids, for pain relief (Oloyede & Mba, 2024). Furthermore, cultural beliefs and stigmas surrounding death and dying may complicate the care process, as families and patients may resist accepting the inevitability of death. In this context, nurses must navigate complex emotional and ethical dilemmas while striving to meet the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients.
While studies have examined EOLC in other regions of Nigeria, there is a lack of comprehensive research focusing on the challenges faced by nurses specifically in Zamfara State. Understanding these challenges is critical to improving the quality of end-of-life care and enhancing the skills and resources of nurses in these settings (Okeke & Adedeji, 2023). This study aims to assess the obstacles faced by nurses and provide recommendations for improving EOLC delivery in resource-limited environments.
Statement of the Problem
Nurses in resource-limited settings such as Zamfara State face significant challenges in providing adequate end-of-life care. These challenges include inadequate access to pain-relieving medications, lack of training in palliative care, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cultural resistance to accepting the reality of death. Consequently, nurses are often unable to provide the necessary comfort and dignity for patients nearing the end of their lives, which affects both the quality of patient care and the emotional well-being of caregivers and families. There is a need to assess the specific challenges nurses face in providing EOLC in Zamfara State and to develop strategies for addressing these challenges, improving care delivery, and supporting the healthcare workforce.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the challenges nurses face in providing end-of-life care in Zamfara State.
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To examine the impact of resource limitations on the quality of end-of-life care provided by nurses.
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To identify potential solutions to improve the delivery of end-of-life care in resource-limited settings in Zamfara State.
Research Questions
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What are the main challenges nurses face in providing end-of-life care in Zamfara State?
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How do resource limitations affect the quality of end-of-life care provided by nurses in Zamfara State?
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What strategies can be implemented to improve the delivery of end-of-life care in Zamfara State healthcare facilities?
Research Hypotheses
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Nurses in Zamfara State face significant challenges in providing adequate end-of-life care due to resource limitations.
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Limited access to pain-relieving medications negatively impacts the quality of end-of-life care in Zamfara State.
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Nurses who receive specialized training in palliative care are better equipped to manage end-of-life care challenges in resource-limited settings.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in healthcare facilities in Zamfara State who are involved in the provision of end-of-life care. The scope will include an exploration of the challenges related to resource limitations, cultural factors, and training deficiencies. The study will be limited by potential challenges in accessing certain healthcare facilities due to logistical constraints and the sensitivity of discussing end-of-life care in a region where cultural beliefs may discourage open discussions about death.
Definitions of Terms
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End-of-life care: Medical and emotional care provided to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, focusing on comfort, pain relief, and dignity.
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Resource-limited settings: Environments where there is limited access to healthcare infrastructure, trained professionals, and essential medications.
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Palliative care: Specialized care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness, aimed at improving quality of life.
