Background of the Study
Holistic nursing care is an approach to nursing practice that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients (Nguyen & Thomas, 2024). In palliative care settings, where the goal is to improve the quality of life for patients with serious or terminal illnesses, holistic care is particularly important. It ensures that patients are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and that all aspects of their well-being are considered in their care plan. Nurses, as primary caregivers in palliative settings, are responsible for providing this comprehensive care, often working alongside other healthcare providers to meet the diverse needs of patients and their families (Olumide & Akinsola, 2023).
At Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, nurses are integral to the delivery of palliative care services. However, the extent to which nurses are knowledgeable about and practice holistic care in these settings is unclear. Studies have shown that nurses in palliative care often lack sufficient training in addressing the spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of patients (Adeyemo et al., 2025). This deficiency in holistic care practices can lead to poor patient outcomes, particularly in terms of emotional well-being and family satisfaction. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and practice of holistic nursing care by nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, in the palliative care setting, focusing on the areas of care they provide and the challenges they face in delivering holistic care.
Statement of the Problem
Holistic nursing care is vital in palliative care settings, where patients face life-limiting conditions and require comprehensive support. Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, are responsible for addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of palliative care patients. However, there is limited research on how well nurses are trained to provide holistic care and how effectively they implement this care in practice. Without adequate knowledge and training in holistic care, nurses may overlook critical aspects of patient well-being, resulting in suboptimal care for terminally ill patients. This study aims to evaluate nurses' knowledge and practice of holistic care in palliative settings and identify any gaps in their ability to provide comprehensive care.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of knowledge of holistic nursing care among nurses in the palliative care setting at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.
To evaluate the practice of holistic nursing care by nurses in the palliative care setting.
To identify challenges faced by nurses in implementing holistic nursing care in the palliative care setting at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge of holistic nursing care among nurses in the palliative care setting at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi?
How do nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, practice holistic care in the palliative care setting?
What challenges do nurses face in implementing holistic nursing care in the palliative care setting at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses with higher knowledge of holistic nursing care are more likely to implement comprehensive care plans for palliative care patients.
There is a significant relationship between the practice of holistic care and patient satisfaction in the palliative care setting.
Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, face significant challenges in implementing holistic nursing care in palliative settings.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the palliative care setting at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, and will assess their knowledge and practice of holistic nursing care. The study will be limited to this institution, and the results may not be generalizable to other palliative care settings in Nigeria. A limitation of the study is that it relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias in the evaluation of nurses’ knowledge and practice.
Definitions of Terms
Holistic Nursing Care: An approach to nursing that addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients.
Palliative Care: Care provided to patients with life-limiting illnesses to improve their quality of life by addressing pain and symptoms.
Nurses' Knowledge: The understanding and expertise nurses have regarding holistic care practices in palliative care.
Practice of Holistic Care: The implementation of comprehensive care plans that consider all aspects of a patient's well-being in a palliative care setting.
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