Background of the Study
Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide, with an increasing prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa due to rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle factors (Chukwu et al., 2023). In Nigeria, heart failure is a growing public health issue, with an estimated 4.5% of the population suffering from cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure (Ige et al., 2023). Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, is one of the prominent healthcare facilities in southeastern Nigeria, providing specialized care for heart failure patients. However, despite advancements in medical treatment and clinical guidelines, heart failure management in many Nigerian hospitals continues to face several barriers, including inadequate resources, lack of specialized training, and insufficient patient adherence to treatment regimens (Ogundele et al., 2024).
Nurses play a critical role in the management of heart failure patients, including monitoring symptoms, educating patients on lifestyle changes, and ensuring medication adherence. However, nurses in Nigeria face significant challenges in providing optimal care, which may affect patient outcomes (Aderemi et al., 2023). Understanding the perceptions of nurses on the barriers to effective heart failure management can help identify areas for improvement, inform policy decisions, and guide interventions aimed at enhancing care quality. This study aims to examine the perceptions of nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, regarding the barriers they face in managing heart failure and the strategies they use to overcome these challenges.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the increasing burden of heart failure in Nigeria, effective management remains a challenge due to several barriers, particularly in hospital settings like Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Nurses, as primary caregivers in the management of heart failure, face numerous challenges in providing care, such as inadequate training, insufficient resources, and poor patient adherence to treatment plans. These barriers affect their ability to manage heart failure effectively, leading to poor patient outcomes. This study seeks to explore the perceptions of nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, on the barriers they face in heart failure management.
Objectives of the Study
1. To examine the perceptions of nurses on the barriers to effective heart failure management at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
2. To identify the factors that hinder nurses in providing optimal care for heart failure patients.
3. To explore potential strategies nurses employ to overcome the barriers in managing heart failure.
Research Questions
1. What are the perceptions of nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, regarding the barriers to effective heart failure management?
2. What factors do nurses believe contribute to the challenges they face in managing heart failure?
3. What strategies do nurses use to overcome the barriers to effective heart failure management?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, perceive inadequate resources as a major barrier to effective heart failure management.
2. Lack of specialized training is a significant barrier to nurses' ability to manage heart failure effectively.
3. Nurses use adaptive strategies to manage heart failure despite existing barriers.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, and their perceptions of the barriers to heart failure management. The study may be limited by time constraints, sample size, and potential bias in nurses’ self-reporting. The findings may not be generalizable to other regions in Nigeria due to regional healthcare differences.
Definitions of Terms
• Heart Failure: A chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs.
• Barriers to Management: Factors that hinder effective healthcare delivery, such as lack of training, inadequate resources, and patient non-compliance.
• Nurses’ Perceptions: Nurses' subjective views and understanding of the challenges they face in managing heart failure.
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