An appraisal of nurses’ role in post-cardiac surgery wound care in Lagos University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Cardiac surgery is a high-risk medical procedure, with patients facing various complications during the recovery period. Among the most critical post-surgical issues are wound infections and complications related to the surgical site, which can significantly affect patient outcomes (Johnson et al., 2023). The role of nurses in managing post-cardiac surgery wound care is essential for ensuring successful recovery and minimizing infection risks, which remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients (Thompson et al., 2024).
In hospitals like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where a significant number of cardiac surgeries are performed annually, the expertise and involvement of nurses are crucial. These healthcare professionals are responsible for a variety of tasks, including the monitoring of wound conditions, providing appropriate care, ensuring hygiene protocols, and educating patients on the signs of infections (Kalu et al., 2023). Nurses' involvement in post-operative care has been shown to improve patient outcomes, particularly in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (Seymour et al., 2025). Despite these responsibilities, there are concerns about the adequacy of training, resource availability, and the implementation of evidence-based wound care practices among nursing staff in many healthcare settings, including LUTH.
Moreover, with the increasing number of cardiac surgeries being performed, it is vital to assess the current practices, challenges, and interventions used by nurses to optimize wound care and enhance patient recovery. Studies suggest that a structured and methodical approach to post-surgical wound care, involving multidisciplinary teams including nursing professionals, can substantially reduce complications such as infections, poor healing, and prolonged hospitalization (Oluwasola & Adeyemi, 2023).
This study, therefore, aims to explore the nursing roles in post-cardiac surgery wound care at LUTH, evaluating how effectively these roles are executed and identifying areas for improvement. By appraising the current practices and the training needs of nurses, this research seeks to contribute to improving post-surgical care practices in Nigeria’s leading healthcare institutions.
Statement of the Problem
Post-cardiac surgery patients are at an increased risk of developing wound complications, which can lead to extended hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and worse health outcomes (Adeboye et al., 2023). Despite the recognition of nurses as central to post-surgical care, there is limited evidence regarding the specific roles they play in managing wound care after cardiac surgeries in Nigerian healthcare settings. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of nursing interventions, the level of training nurses receive in wound care, and the impact of these interventions on patient outcomes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
While there is widespread acknowledgment of the importance of wound care in cardiac recovery, the actual practices, challenges, and gaps in the system are not well documented, particularly in high-volume settings like LUTH. Nurses often work under resource constraints, which could influence the quality of care provided (Fakhruddin & Akinsulire, 2023). Also, the diverse patient population at LUTH, with varying levels of socioeconomic status and cultural backgrounds, adds another layer of complexity to wound care. Consequently, this study aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current nursing practices in post-cardiac surgery wound care, providing insights into potential improvements that could be made to enhance patient recovery.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the role of nurses in post-cardiac surgery wound care at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
2. To assess the challenges faced by nurses in managing post-cardiac surgery wounds and the impact of these challenges on patient outcomes.
3. To explore the effectiveness of training programs for nurses in wound care and identify potential gaps.
Research Questions
1. What are the roles of nurses in post-cardiac surgery wound care at Lagos University Teaching Hospital?
2. What challenges do nurses face in providing wound care for post-cardiac surgery patients at Lagos University Teaching Hospital?
3. How effective are the current training programs for nurses in managing post-cardiac surgery wounds at Lagos University Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between the nurses’ role in post-cardiac surgery wound care and the recovery outcomes of patients.
2. The availability of resources significantly affects the effectiveness of post-cardiac surgery wound care by nurses.
3. Adequate training for nurses in wound care improves the quality of care and reduces complications in post-cardiac surgery patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the role of nurses in post-cardiac surgery wound care specifically at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. It will examine nurses' practices, challenges, and the training provided to them. The study is limited by the fact that it will only be conducted at one hospital, which may not fully represent practices across other Nigerian hospitals. Additionally, time constraints and resource limitations may restrict the scope of the research, particularly in terms of the sample size.
Definitions of Terms
1. Cardiac Surgery: A medical procedure involving surgery on the heart or blood vessels, often performed to correct heart diseases.
2. Wound Care: The process of treating and managing surgical wounds to prevent infections and promote healing.
3. Nurses’ Role: The responsibilities and functions carried out by nurses in the healthcare setting, including patient monitoring, administering medications, and providing post-operative care.
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