Background of the Study
End-of-life (EOL) care is a crucial aspect of healthcare that addresses the needs and concerns of patients who are in the final stages of life. It involves providing compassionate care, managing pain, and respecting the dignity and wishes of patients (Chukwudi et al., 2024). Ethical standards in EOL care are essential to ensure that patients receive appropriate and humane treatment during this critical phase, especially in a culturally diverse setting like Nigeria, where end-of-life practices may vary significantly (Olayemi & Lawal, 2023). Nurses, who are often the primary caregivers in the hospital setting, play a pivotal role in providing this care, advocating for patients, and ensuring that ethical guidelines, such as autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, are upheld (Aminu et al., 2024).
Borno State Specialist Hospital is one of the leading healthcare facilities in the northeastern part of Nigeria. As the hospital cares for patients in various stages of life, the importance of adhering to ethical standards in EOL care is critical. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how nurses at Borno State Specialist Hospital adhere to ethical standards when providing EOL care. Issues such as family dynamics, religious beliefs, and resource limitations may present challenges that affect nurses’ ability to provide ethically sound EOL care (Ene et al., 2024). The aim of this study is to evaluate nurses’ adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care at the hospital, identifying any barriers to ethical practice and suggesting ways to improve adherence.
Statement of the Problem
End-of-life care is an essential component of healthcare, but ethical dilemmas frequently arise during the care of terminally ill patients. Nurses at Borno State Specialist Hospital may encounter ethical challenges due to cultural and religious beliefs, inadequate training, and limited resources, all of which may affect their adherence to ethical standards. This study seeks to assess the level of adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care by nurses at Borno State Specialist Hospital and identify the challenges that hinder adherence to ethical guidelines.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate nurses' adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care at Borno State Specialist Hospital.
To identify the factors influencing nurses' adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care.
To provide recommendations for improving adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care at Borno State Specialist Hospital.
Research Questions
What is the level of adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care by nurses at Borno State Specialist Hospital?
What are the factors influencing nurses’ adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care at the hospital?
How can nurses' adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care be improved at Borno State Specialist Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of ethical standards and their adherence to these standards in end-of-life care.
Nurses' cultural and religious beliefs significantly influence their adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care.
Limited resources and inadequate training negatively affect nurses' adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the palliative care and general medical units at Borno State Specialist Hospital. It will evaluate their adherence to ethical standards in end-of-life care and explore the factors that influence their practices. Limitations of the study include the potential for bias in self-reported adherence and the lack of generalizability of the findings to other healthcare institutions.
Definitions of Terms
End-of-Life Care: Care provided to patients who are in the final stages of life, including symptom management, emotional support, and decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments.
Ethical Standards: Guidelines that govern the moral conduct of healthcare providers, emphasizing principles such as respect for patient autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice.
Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow established ethical guidelines in providing end-of-life care.
Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for delivering patient care, providing support, and ensuring ethical standards are upheld during end-of-life care.
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