The Effect of Nurses’ Workload on Patient Outcomes in Cardiac Wards in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, particularly in specialized units such as cardiac wards, where patients require close monitoring and timely interventions. However, increasing workloads due to staff shortages, extended shifts, and high patient-to-nurse ratios have been linked to adverse patient outcomes (Williams et al., 2024). In Nigeria, healthcare facilities often struggle with inadequate nurse staffing, leading to fatigue, burnout, and decreased quality of care (Adebayo & Musa, 2023).
Research has shown that excessive workload among nurses can result in medical errors, delayed interventions, and reduced patient satisfaction, particularly in high-risk units like cardiac wards (James et al., 2024). Patients recovering from cardiac conditions, such as heart failure and myocardial infarction, require continuous assessment, medication management, and emotional support to prevent complications. The inability of nurses to provide optimal care due to excessive workload may lead to longer hospital stays, increased readmission rates, and even mortality.
Despite global evidence on the negative effects of nurses’ workload on patient outcomes, limited studies have focused on cardiac wards in Nigerian teaching hospitals. This study seeks to examine how nurses’ workload affects patient recovery, complication rates, and overall health outcomes in the cardiac wards of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital.
Statement of the Problem
Cardiac patients require specialized and timely care, yet in many Nigerian hospitals, nurses are overburdened with heavy workloads, limiting their ability to provide individualized attention (Okafor & Uchenna, 2023). In Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, an increasing number of nurses report burnout and exhaustion, raising concerns about the impact of these conditions on patient outcomes.
Excessive workloads may lead to suboptimal patient care, including delayed medication administration, inadequate monitoring, and poor patient communication. These factors can result in avoidable complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. However, there is a lack of empirical data linking nurses’ workload to patient outcomes in Nigerian cardiac wards. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the effects of nurses' workload on patient outcomes in the cardiac ward of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the impact of nurses' workload on patient recovery and outcomes in the cardiac ward of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital.
- To determine the relationship between high patient-to-nurse ratios and the incidence of complications among cardiac patients.
- To identify potential strategies for optimizing nurse workload to improve patient care and outcomes.
Research Questions
- How does nurses' workload affect patient recovery and outcomes in the cardiac ward of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital?
- What is the relationship between high patient-to-nurse ratios and the incidence of complications among cardiac patients?
- What strategies can be implemented to optimize nurses' workload for better patient outcomes?
Research Hypotheses
- Increased nurses' workload negatively affects patient recovery and outcomes in cardiac wards.
- High patient-to-nurse ratios are significantly associated with increased complications among cardiac patients.
- Implementing workload optimization strategies will improve patient outcomes in the cardiac ward.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the cardiac ward of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital. It will assess workload factors such as patient-to-nurse ratio, shift length, and patient care responsibilities. The limitations include the possibility of underreporting workload-related stress by nurses and variations in patient health status, which may affect outcomes independently of nurse workload.
Definitions of Terms
- Nurses’ Workload: The number of tasks, patients, and responsibilities assigned to a nurse within a given shift.
- Patient Outcomes: The measurable health results of medical interventions, including recovery rates, complication rates, and hospital readmission.
- Cardiac Ward: A specialized hospital unit that provides care for patients with heart-related conditions.
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