An examination of nurses' attitudes towards do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in Yobe State healthcare facilities
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are critical components of healthcare decision-making for patients with terminal or severe conditions, instructing healthcare providers not to attempt resuscitation if a patient’s heart or breathing stops. While these orders are legally and ethically accepted in many healthcare settings worldwide, nurses' attitudes toward DNR orders can significantly influence the effectiveness of their implementation (Oluwole & Ahmed, 2023). In Yobe State, where healthcare facilities face numerous challenges, including resource shortages and a lack of specialized training, the implementation of DNR orders may be met with resistance or misunderstanding among nurses.
The attitudes of nurses towards DNR orders are shaped by multiple factors, including personal beliefs, professional values, cultural norms, and the perceived adequacy of training in end-of-life care (Nasir et al., 2024). Nurses in Yobe State may face dilemmas in carrying out DNR orders due to the complex nature of death and dying in a context where family members often have significant influence over medical decisions. Furthermore, the lack of clear protocols and guidelines for handling DNR orders may contribute to inconsistencies in practice. Despite the importance of DNR orders in ensuring patient autonomy and dignity, nurses may struggle to balance these principles with their professional responsibilities and cultural expectations.
The study aims to examine the attitudes of nurses in Yobe State healthcare facilities toward DNR orders, identifying factors that influence these attitudes and providing recommendations to improve the implementation of end-of-life care practices.
Statement of the Problem
In Yobe State, the implementation of DNR orders may be hindered by nurses' attitudes and the absence of standardized guidelines for end-of-life care. Nurses may feel conflicted about carrying out DNR orders due to personal, cultural, or religious beliefs, and the lack of formal training in end-of-life care further exacerbates these challenges. As a result, patients may not receive care that aligns with their preferences, and families may experience confusion or disagreement with healthcare decisions. Understanding nurses' attitudes towards DNR orders is crucial to improving the quality of end-of-life care in Yobe State healthcare facilities.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the attitudes of nurses towards do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in Yobe State healthcare facilities.
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To identify the factors influencing nurses' attitudes towards DNR orders.
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To recommend strategies for improving the implementation of DNR orders in Yobe State healthcare facilities.
Research Questions
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What are the attitudes of nurses towards do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in Yobe State healthcare facilities?
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What factors influence nurses' attitudes towards DNR orders in Yobe State?
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How can the implementation of DNR orders be improved in Yobe State healthcare facilities?
Research Hypotheses
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Nurses in Yobe State healthcare facilities have negative attitudes towards do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders due to personal and cultural beliefs.
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Lack of formal training in end-of-life care negatively influences nurses' attitudes towards DNR orders.
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Clear guidelines and protocols for DNR orders improve their implementation in Yobe State healthcare facilities.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in healthcare facilities in Yobe State and their attitudes towards DNR orders. The research will explore how cultural, personal, and professional factors shape these attitudes and how they impact the implementation of DNR orders. The study’s limitations include potential biases in responses due to the sensitive nature of end-of-life care and the cultural significance of decisions regarding life-saving interventions.
Definitions of Terms
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Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders: Medical orders instructing healthcare providers not to attempt resuscitation if a patient’s heart or breathing stops.
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Nurses' attitudes: The personal beliefs, values, and perceptions held by nurses that influence their professional practice, particularly in the context of ethical and end-of-life decisions.
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End-of-life care: Medical care focused on providing comfort and dignity to individuals nearing the end of their lives, including decisions about resuscitation and life-sustaining treatments.
