Background of the Study
Pediatric diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of five, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Sokoto State, Nigeria, the burden of pediatric diarrhea is exacerbated by factors such as poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure (Ali et al., 2023). Traditionally, the management of pediatric diarrhea has been the responsibility of physicians, but there is growing evidence suggesting that nurse-led management can be equally effective, particularly in resource-limited settings. Nurses, especially pediatric nurses, are often on the frontline of care, and their training in patient care management could enable them to handle many routine cases of pediatric diarrhea efficiently (Okafor et al., 2024).
In Sokoto State, however, the extent to which nurse-led management is practiced remains unclear, and there is limited research comparing the outcomes of nurse-led versus physician-led approaches to managing pediatric diarrhea. Nurse-led management has been shown to offer several advantages, such as reducing physician workload and allowing for more prompt care (Davis et al., 2023). However, concerns about the adequacy of nurses' training and the potential for suboptimal care are factors that need to be explored. This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of nurse-led versus physician-led management of pediatric diarrhea in Sokoto State, evaluating the outcomes in terms of treatment success, patient recovery time, and caregiver satisfaction.
Statement of the Problem
The problem this study addresses is the lack of empirical evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of nurse-led versus physician-led management of pediatric diarrhea in Sokoto State. While there is growing interest in expanding the role of nurses in managing common pediatric conditions, such as diarrhea, there is insufficient data to support or reject this approach within the specific context of Sokoto State. Understanding whether nurse-led management can effectively reduce the burden on physicians and improve patient outcomes is essential for the optimization of pediatric healthcare services in the region.
Objectives of the Study
To compare the effectiveness of nurse-led versus physician-led management of pediatric diarrhea in Sokoto State.
To assess the impact of nurse-led management on the workload of pediatric physicians in Sokoto State.
To determine the satisfaction levels of caregivers whose children receive nurse-led versus physician-led management for pediatric diarrhea.
Research Questions
How does the effectiveness of nurse-led management of pediatric diarrhea compare to physician-led management in Sokoto State?
What impact does nurse-led management have on the workload of pediatric physicians in Sokoto State?
How do caregivers perceive the quality of care provided in nurse-led versus physician-led management of pediatric diarrhea?
Research Hypotheses
Nurse-led management of pediatric diarrhea is as effective as physician-led management in terms of treatment success and patient recovery.
Nurse-led management of pediatric diarrhea reduces the workload of pediatric physicians in Sokoto State.
Caregiver satisfaction is higher in cases where pediatric diarrhea is managed by nurses compared to cases managed by physicians.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on pediatric diarrhea management in Sokoto State, Nigeria, comparing the outcomes of nurse-led and physician-led interventions. It will involve pediatric nurses and physicians from hospitals and clinics within the state. The study will be limited by factors such as differences in training levels among nurses, variability in patient presentation, and limited follow-up data. The findings may not be applicable to other regions with different healthcare contexts.
Definitions of Terms
Nurse-led management: Management of pediatric diarrhea by trained nurses, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care under appropriate supervision.
Physician-led management: Management of pediatric diarrhea by physicians, including all aspects of care from diagnosis to treatment.
Effectiveness: The ability to achieve the desired health outcomes, such as patient recovery and reduction in symptoms.
Workload: The amount of work performed by physicians in terms of the number of cases they handle.
Caregiver satisfaction: The level of contentment expressed by caregivers regarding the quality of care provided to their child during treatment for diarrhea.
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