An assessment of nurses' preparedness for responding to emergency psychiatric cases at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Emergency psychiatric cases represent a significant portion of the patient load in mental health institutions, requiring immediate intervention and specialized care. Nurses play a crucial role in managing psychiatric emergencies, providing both physical and emotional support to individuals in crisis. Psychiatric emergencies can range from acute psychosis to suicidal behavior, self-harm, or violent outbursts (Akinsulire et al., 2024). These cases require prompt assessment, stabilization, and management to prevent harm and reduce the risk of long-term psychological damage. Preparedness in responding to such cases involves both knowledge of psychiatric conditions and proficiency in managing the complex behaviors associated with mental health crises.
At Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos, which is one of Nigeria's leading mental health institutions, nurses are integral to the multidisciplinary approach to managing psychiatric emergencies. However, there have been concerns regarding the preparedness of nurses in handling such cases, particularly in light of insufficient training and resources available to staff (Bello et al., 2023). Preparedness for managing psychiatric emergencies is not only determined by knowledge but also by the availability of resources such as seclusion rooms, sedation protocols, and a supportive team environment (Ndukwe et al., 2024). While Yaba Psychiatric Hospital has specialized units for psychiatric care, there remains a gap in the empirical assessment of how well nurses are equipped to handle the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of psychiatric emergencies.
Furthermore, the stigma associated with mental illness and inadequate support systems may affect nurses’ confidence and ability to manage psychiatric emergencies effectively (Olawale et al., 2024). Previous studies have highlighted that many nurses in Nigeria lack formal training in psychiatric nursing, which can compromise their readiness to deal with psychiatric crises (Ogunrinade et al., 2025). This study aims to assess the preparedness of nurses at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital for responding to psychiatric emergencies, with a particular focus on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward emergency psychiatric care.
Statement of the Problem
Psychiatric emergencies are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria, and the effective management of these crises is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. At Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos, nurses are often the first responders to such emergencies, but there is limited research on their level of preparedness for these situations. Despite the critical role that nurses play in managing psychiatric emergencies, factors such as inadequate training, limited resources, and mental health stigma may affect their ability to deliver optimal care in these high-pressure situations (Adetoye et al., 2023).
The lack of formal assessments regarding nurses' preparedness for psychiatric emergencies raises concerns about the quality of care provided in these critical situations. Inadequate response to psychiatric emergencies could lead to worsened patient outcomes, including injury, exacerbation of symptoms, or even death. Therefore, it is essential to examine the preparedness of nurses in managing psychiatric emergencies at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, to identify areas of improvement in training, resource allocation, and policy implementation.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of preparedness of nurses at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital for responding to psychiatric emergencies.
- To identify factors influencing nurses' preparedness for psychiatric emergency situations at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.
- To propose strategies for improving nurses' preparedness in managing psychiatric emergencies at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.
Research Questions
- What is the level of preparedness of nurses at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital for responding to psychiatric emergencies?
- What factors influence nurses' preparedness for psychiatric emergencies at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital?
- What strategies can be implemented to enhance the preparedness of nurses in responding to psychiatric emergencies at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
- There is a significant relationship between the level of training of nurses and their preparedness for managing psychiatric emergencies.
- Nurses at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital are not fully prepared to respond to psychiatric emergencies.
- There are significant barriers to nurses' preparedness in managing psychiatric emergencies at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus exclusively on nurses employed at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos, who are involved in managing emergency psychiatric cases. It will not include other healthcare professionals or facilities that do not specialize in psychiatric care. The study will be limited to the assessment of nurses’ knowledge, skills, and preparedness for handling psychiatric emergencies.
The limitations of this study include the potential for response bias, as nurses may overestimate their preparedness in an effort to present themselves favorably. The study will also be cross-sectional, capturing data at a single point in time, which may not reflect long-term changes or improvements in preparedness.
Definitions of Terms
- Psychiatric Emergency: A situation in which a patient exhibits acute symptoms of mental illness, such as suicidal tendencies, violent behavior, or severe psychosis, requiring immediate intervention.
- Preparedness: The readiness of nurses to effectively manage psychiatric emergencies, including knowledge, skills, and emotional preparedness.
- Psychiatric Nursing: A specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of patients with mental health disorders, including the management of psychiatric emergencies.
- Emergency Care: Immediate, often life-saving care provided to patients experiencing critical medical or psychiatric conditions.
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