Background of the study
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical intervention. The condition is commonly triggered by allergens such as foods, medications, insect stings, and latex (Patel et al., 2024). In emergency departments (EDs), timely recognition and management of anaphylaxis are critical to preventing fatal outcomes. Nurses in the ED play a crucial role in the early identification and management of anaphylactic reactions, as they are often the first healthcare providers to assess and treat the patient. However, the preparedness of nurses to effectively manage anaphylaxis, including their knowledge of protocols, availability of medications, and practical skills, remains a concern in many healthcare settings, including teaching hospitals like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a major healthcare facility in Nigeria, serves as a key referral center for emergency cases. Despite the advancements in medical care, the hospital's emergency department faces challenges such as inadequate staff training, overwhelming patient loads, and limited resources, which can impact the preparedness of nurses in managing acute allergic reactions like anaphylaxis (Salami et al., 2023). There have been several reports highlighting deficiencies in the training and preparedness of nurses in managing anaphylaxis, especially in low-resource settings where guidelines may not always be followed (Johnson et al., 2023). As the prevalence of allergic reactions continues to rise globally, it becomes imperative to assess how well-equipped nurses in emergency settings are to respond to these potentially fatal events.
This study aims to assess the preparedness of nurses in the emergency department of LUTH in responding to anaphylactic reactions. The research will evaluate their knowledge of anaphylaxis management protocols, their practical readiness to handle such emergencies, and the factors influencing their preparedness. Understanding these aspects will provide insights into the gaps in training and resource allocation, which can inform future improvements in patient care.
Statement of the problem
Anaphylactic reactions are medical emergencies that require immediate and precise intervention to prevent fatal outcomes. Despite the availability of clinical guidelines and protocols for managing anaphylaxis, there is growing concern regarding the preparedness of nurses in emergency departments, particularly in Nigerian hospitals like LUTH, where the emergency department faces multiple challenges. Insufficient training, lack of up-to-date knowledge, and resource constraints can hinder nurses' ability to respond appropriately to anaphylactic reactions. A gap exists in assessing the preparedness of nurses in the emergency department at LUTH, necessitating research to identify the challenges and areas for improvement.
Objectives of the study
To assess the knowledge of nurses in LUTH emergency department regarding the management of anaphylactic reactions.
To evaluate the preparedness of nurses in LUTH’s emergency department to handle anaphylactic reactions.
To identify factors that influence the preparedness of nurses in responding to anaphylactic reactions in LUTH’s emergency department.
Research questions
What is the level of knowledge of nurses at LUTH’s emergency department regarding anaphylaxis management?
How prepared are nurses at LUTH’s emergency department to handle anaphylactic reactions?
What are the factors influencing the preparedness of nurses in managing anaphylaxis at LUTH?
Research hypotheses
Nurses in LUTH’s emergency department have inadequate knowledge of anaphylaxis management.
There is a significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and their preparedness to manage anaphylactic reactions in LUTH.
Factors such as inadequate training, resources, and workload significantly affect the preparedness of nurses in managing anaphylaxis in LUTH.
Scope and limitations of the study
The study will focus on nurses working in the emergency department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital. It will assess their knowledge, preparedness, and the factors influencing their ability to manage anaphylactic reactions effectively. One limitation of the study is the possible subjectivity of responses, as nurses may overestimate their preparedness due to social desirability. The study may also be constrained by the availability of resources to conduct a larger-scale assessment across multiple hospitals.
Definitions of terms
Anaphylaxis: A severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction that can lead to shock and death if not treated promptly.
Preparedness: The level of readiness and ability of nurses to effectively manage anaphylactic reactions, including knowledge, skills, and availability of resources.
Emergency Department (ED): The part of a hospital that provides immediate treatment for acute conditions and life-threatening situations.
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